Accountability Agreement 2026 to 2027

Coventry Learns is Coventry City Council’s adult learning service, within Skills, Employment and Libraries. We provide accessible learning and skills opportunities that help residents gain essential and vocational skills, progress into or within employment, improve independence and wellbeing, and participate fully in their communities.

Our 2026 to 2027 priorities are shaped by the One Coventry Plan, Coventry Skills Strategy, the West Midlands Combined Authority Employment and Skills Strategy, the West Midlands and Warwickshire Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP), employer and community intelligence, and national skills priorities.

In 2026 to 2027 we will focus public funding on a limited number of measurable priorities where Coventry Learns can add greatest value: widening participation among residents experiencing disadvantage; strengthening English, mathematics and digital progression; increasing pathways into employment and priority sectors; improving integration through English language learning; strengthening family and inclusive learning; and developing green skills and routes into clean energy and utilities.

Detailed curriculum descriptions sit within our service and curriculum plans; this Accountability Statement concentrates on the changes and outcomes we will deliver in the year ahead aligned to the following priorities:

1. Providing a good education up to level 2
2. Building strong and inclusive communities
3. Supporting residents into employment and supporting career progression
4. Meeting future skills needs at level 3 and above through upskilling and reskilling

Service strategic aims and objectives

We will:

• engage and support residents with the highest needs
• take a community place-based approach, targeting the most deprived wards
• provide inclusive, high-quality teaching, learning and assessment
• enable residents to access progression pathways according to needs and goals
• ensure financial viability and sustainability of the educational offer

Service vision

Our vision is to be a city where every individual - regardless of background or circumstance, has equitable access to quality skills, employment and education development and opportunities. By working together with employers, educators, and communities, we will continue to develop inclusive systems that put residents first, tackle inequality, and support a greener, more connected economy.