The GLA commissioned the Social Market Foundation to look at the reasons behind the non-continuation (drop-out) rate of undergraduates studying at London’s higher education institutions. This report seeks to understand the factors affecting non-continuation and transfers at London universities. London’s non-continuation rate is 7.7%, which is much higher than the English average of 6.3%, and students in London are the most likely to transfer to another university compared to students in the rest of the country. We seek to build on previous SMF work by focusing on why students leave university in London and the report looks in-depth at the differences in retention by ethnicity and socio-economic status. This report draws on qualitative and quantitative evidence. Interviews were conducted with 20 individuals from London who attended and withdrew from a London university and quantitative analysis of HESA data on young students in London between 2013/14 and 2015/16.

In September 2023, Learning and Work was commissioned by the GLA to conduct research into the impact of the rising cost of living on London’s adult education landscape. GLA data shows that in 2023, 17% of Londoners were ‘struggling financially’, and another 30% were ‘just about managing’. Increased inflation also impacted the cost of doing business for London’s skills providers and Further Education (FE) workforce. This report and the summary report are based upon a survey, depth interviews and focus groups with learners, providers, and third sector organisations that provide and campaign for people on low incomes. The fieldwork took place between November 2023 and March 2024. The research provides an account of the impact of the rising cost of living on London’s FE sector.

At the end of 2019 the Greater London Authority (GLA) commissioned the Social Market Foundation (SMF) to conduct research focusing on how the outcomes of graduates who have studied in London and those from London vary, by a range of different characteristics. This research uses a range of methods to gain insight into the outcomes of graduates who were domiciled in London prior to university and those who studied at a London institution. In particular, the SMF undertook a literature review of academic, government and policy papers on degree outcomes and the factors that interact with these; conducted descriptive analysis of data provided by the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA); and ran a series of logit regression models to look further into how different characteristics influence graduate outcomes when controlling for other variables. The data includes young first degree students studying at a Higher Education Institution within London and students domiciled in London prior to university who study outside of the capital. The data includes four cohorts from the academic years 2010/11 to 2013/14.

This research, commissioned by the GLA and undertaken by RCU, establishes a stronger evidence base regarding the place and value of higher level skills (courses, apprenticeships, and qualifications at levels 4 and 5) in London. The research highlighted the small, uneven and unstable nature of provision at Levels 4 and 5. Across the capital, there are few examples of centres with large numbers or dedicated specialisms at these levels. Overall participation by London residents in courses has decreased in recent years. The volume joining apprenticeships has increased, albeit from a low base. The representation of levels 4 and 5 in selected priority areas was also mapped through the research: tech and digital, culture and creative, health and social care, low carbon and environmental, and advanced urban services. The research recommended: additional organisational hubs closures and restructuring for the safeguarding of provision in light of mergers a needs analysis of the graduate workforce piloting of credit-based microqualification