New colleges and universities partnership aims to boost skills, jobs, innovation and investment in South London

Ten leading institutions, including Kingston University, have come together to form The South London Colleges and Universities Partnership, designed to align research, skills provision and employer engagement. The initiative aims to help residents move more easily from education into high‑quality jobs while ensuring businesses can access the expertise they need to grow.

Working closely with the South London Partnership, representing the boroughs of Croydon, Kingston upon Thames, Merton, Richmond upon Thames and Sutton, the group will support the aims set out in BIG Ambition: South London Growth. The plan outlines a vision for accelerating the region’s £38 billion economy, attracting investment and expanding opportunities for the 1.2 million people who live in South London.

Priority sectors include health and life sciences, digital and creative industries, the visitor economy and green and low‑carbon technologies, areas where South London already has significant strengths.

A new model of collaboration between further education and higher education

The partnership is notable for its commitment to deeper collaboration between further and higher education. By combining colleges’ strengths in technical and community‑focused learning with universities’ expertise in advanced study and research, the group aims to widen participation, meet local skills needs more effectively and support employers to innovate.

Proud to be part of an ambitious new partnership 

Kingston University Vice‑Chancellor, Professor Steven Spier, said the new partnership reflects the University’s long‑standing commitment to driving innovation, skills development and opportunity across the region. “Kingston University is proud to be part of this ambitious new partnership, which brings together the collective strengths of South London’s colleges and universities and builds on our longstanding relationship with Kingston Council. By working in a more coordinated way, we can create clearer pathways for learners, support businesses to innovate and grow, and ensure our research and expertise deliver real benefits for local communities.

“South London has enormous potential. This partnership will provide a powerful platform to unlock that potential, helping residents access high‑quality education and employment opportunities, and ensuring employers have the talent and insight they need to thrive.”

A formal signing ceremony later this year will mark the official launch of the partnership.

• Find out more about BIG South London.