Background
The idea for Liverpool City of Learning emerged in 1992 from two activities contemporaneously. Research by Liverpool John Moores University revealed that the education and training sector directly contributed in excess of £1Bn to the Merseyside economy for that year. Also in that year the city hosted the annual conference of Local Education Authorities.
Formally launched in the House of Lords in 1993, the key local education and training organisations gave a commitment to the initiative both through representation on the shadow Board (Principals, Headteachers, Chief Executive Officers, Vice-Chancellors,) and financial through core funding for the small dedicated office. Significant help in kind was also provided including secondments of the Assistant Directors of Education and the Director of Liverpool Business School, Liverpool John Moores University. In the latest phase, a Director was appointed with a networking, facilitating background to head up the partnership.
One of the various reasons for establishing the Liverpool City of Learning partnership was to develop a co-ordinating body for large-scale Objective 1 projects, particularly IT based education projects, as an aid to regeneration of the region.
The partners drew up a strategic framework which specifically sought:
- To promote and market Liverpool and its region as a centre of excellence, internationally renowned for its learning related developments.
- Develop the concept of the ‘Wired’ or ‘Electronic’ City and its associated infrastructure to improve education and training products and practices, but also for the benefit of businesses and the wider community.
Activities were high profile and involved direct provision. In the more recent phase of Liverpool City of Learning’s development, work has taken on a facilitative, brokerage approach.
Liverpool City of Learning became incorporated as a company limited by guarantee and registered as a charity in 1996. This neutrality gave the initiative impartiality and credibility.
