LIFELONG learning will be at the centre of a new initiative that is to be launched at Swindon Academy tomorrow.

Swindon Borough Council will outline its ambition for Swindon to become a Learning Town, joining other towns and cities in promoting and celebrating learning for all.

The initiative is part of UNESCO’s global network of towns and cities that work together to share ideas and solutions.

One of the key objectives of the Learning Town is to raise the profile of the benefits of learning and to celebrate achievement while raising the aspirations of children, young people and adults.

Council leader David Renard said: “We are absolutely committed to raising educational attainment in Swindon and we have made some great strides at primary level, but there is still so much work to do.

“One of the key areas the Swindon Challenge Board is keen to address is raising the aspirations of our young people so they go on to fulfil their potential in further and higher education. This is why the Learning Town initiative is so important because it will help to embed a culture of lifelong learning among our young people so they carry that on into later life.

“This is a council-led initiative with great partnership working with schools, businesses, community and voluntary groups. We all have a stake in ensuring that everyone in Swindon reaches their potential.”

A Learning Town is defined as a place which uses its resources to promote inclusive, lifelong learning in education, families, communities and the workplace. Other places to have joined the network include Bristol and Swansea.

Each place develops its own strategies and in Swindon there will be a strong emphasis on raising the aspirations and ambitions of all children, young people and adults in relation to educational attainment, skills and opportunities enhanced through learning and qualifications.

There will also be a focus on raising the profile of lifelong learning and education, improving the level of qualifications and skills and increasing the number of students with higher level qualifications and those who go on to higher education.

To find out more about Swindon Learning Town and how to get involved please email: learningtown@swindon.gov.uk.