When the Sussex Learning Network was established in 2005, it was one of the first initiatives of its kind — focused on tackling the barriers that many FE students faced in accessing higher education. That founding purpose still drives us today, but our work has evolved to reflect a broader, more urgent mission: to address inequality, enable social mobility, and bring partners together in a shared commitment to improving life chances for learners across Sussex.
Our strength lies in collaboration. Through SLN, universities, colleges, schools, and community organisations come together to do what none of us could do alone. We create spaces for innovation, exchange, and action — building progression pathways, sharing data and research, and delivering targeted support to those who need it most. Our collective impact has been significant: in the last decade securing over £9 million in external funding, working with more than 70 educational and 200 community organisations, supporting over 60,000 learners to take their next steps with confidence and we are a strong and growing regional partnership committed to change.
As the Sussex Combined Authority develops its priorities around skills and inclusion, the Sussex Learning Network is positioned to play a key role. Our work mapping progression pathways, supporting underrepresented learners, and convening providers across the region directly aligns with the Authority’s ambition for a more coherent, collaborative post-16 system.
But the landscape continues to shift. The impact of the pandemic and the cost of living crisis all challenge us to think differently, and act strategically. We know education alone can’t close the gaps — but we also know the difference we can make when we work collectively, with purpose.
As we move forward, I’m excited to see our network deepen its role as a connector — not just between institutions, but between policy and practice, communities and opportunity. I’m proud of what we’ve achieved, but even more motivated by what lies ahead.
Thank you for being part of the journey.
Sarah Williams
SLN Director