City Lit awarded the Mayor’s Skills Academies Quality Mark

Alongside our Outstanding provider rating from Ofsted this year, City Lit has also been awarded a Mayor’s Skills Academies Quality Mark. 

This is a prestigious award for training providers in London. As of December 2023, there have only been 31 institutions awarded a Quality Mark. This makes City Lit part of an elite group in the capital.

But what exactly is it? And why does it matter to students at City Lit?

The COVID-19 pandemic was seismic in its impact. It changed people’s personal and professional lives in many ways. In London in particular, it disproportionally affected people in certain industries. It also pushed groups already underrepresented further away from the labour market.  

Therefore, in March 2022, the Mayor launched the Skills Academies Quality Mark. This is an annual accreditation awarded to places who provide quality skills training in some of the hardest-hit sectors.

These sectors include:

• Digital
• Creative
• Health and Social Care
• Hospitality
• Construction
• Green

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In order to receive a Quality Mark, the institution must show that they provide excellent, industry-relevant training in their given sector. Providers also need to demonstrate diversity, inclusion and support for groups who are underrepresented either in learning or in access to work opportunities.

The full list of groups and criteria for the Quality Mark can be found here.

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In 2023, City Lit was awarded the ‘Creative’ Quality Mark. This indicates that the training we provide for individuals going into the creative sector was deemed to be exemplary.

Many of our creative courses are highly rated and are taught by dedicated teams of artists, designers and practitioners. We’ve made it our mission so that anyone from a complete beginner to an advanced learner can find the course that is right for them here at the college.

In addition, our premium training facilities mean that students are able to make the most out of the teaching. Our visual arts students have access to art studios, digital and design labs and a specialist photography centre. In the performing arts, City Lit provides music rooms, dance studios and the 100-seat John Lyons Theatre for bigger productions.

We also pride ourselves on fostering a diverse and inclusive environment, which was recognised with the Mayor’s Quality Mark. We actively encourage individuals to seek support, engage in meaningful conversations and connect with like-minded peers.

Our trademark events are also a key barometer of City Lit’s commitment to inclusion, such as the Mental Wealth Festival and Deaf Day.

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The Mayor’s Skills Academies Quality Mark matters to people studying – or considering studying – creative courses at City Lit.

It indicates to employers that students have received exceptional, industry-relevant training. It shows students they have a strong foundation for working in the creative sector. It may also provide students with trust and assurance that they are receiving a good quality learning experience. Overall, this can increase their chances of employment.

Furthermore, the Quality Mark indicates to students that they are learning in an environment which encourages diversity and support for underrepresented groups. Diverse points of view inspire creativity and drive innovation. As an open-hearted institution, it something that we value dearly at City Lit.

It also has a benefit for wider society; sitting Quality Marked courses may eventually help to tackle skills shortages in London. This can help the city get back on its feet after the tumultuous start to the decade.

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