Rooted in south London
LSBU Group builds on over 130 years of professional and technical education in south London. Since 1892, we’ve been embedded in the communities we serve. And our mission has never changed: to challenge social and economic inequalities through applied education, insight and partnership.
Today, we have campuses across three London boroughs: Southwark, Lambeth, Croydon. Over 16,000 of our learners are from London. We’re not just based here, we’re part of the fabric of this city.
We are committed to being an anchor institution for south London. We’re a trusted partner that creates opportunities, strengthens communities and ensures local people benefit from growth.
Challenging inequalities
We believe everyone deserves the chance of a rewarding career. That commitment drives everything we do. And it’s being noticed:
- Ranked 3rd in the world for reducing inequalities (Times Higher Education Impact Rankings 2024).
- Ranked 5th in England for contribution to social mobility (Institute for Fiscal Studies).
- Daily Mail University of the Year for Social Inclusion 2025.
This recognition reflects the work we do every day to open doors, raise aspirations and connect potential to opportunity.
Working with local councils
We work closely with local government to address the skills and employment challenges facing our communities. We have Memorandums of Understanding with Southwark Council, Lambeth Council and Lewisham Council, and we’re committed to being a key anchor partner in local strategic planning.
Through Connecting, we will deepen these partnerships and ensure local people and communities benefit fully from our education and research.
Read the full Strategy 2030 document (PDF)
Skills for local people
LSBU Group is helping local residents build the skills they need to thrive, whatever their starting point.
- Our Green Skills Hub has trained over 2,400 residents and created 800+ jobs, work experience opportunities and placements since 2022.
- Net Zero Bootcamps are supporting unemployed Londoners to enter the growing green economy.
- Over the past five years, South Bank Colleges has supported over 10,000 adults to complete ESOL courses.
- We’ve helped over 4,500 individuals achieve an English qualification and 5,500 achieve a maths qualification.
- Each year, we support around 275 students with learning difficulties and/or disabilities through inclusive learning courses.
Supporting local businesses
We are proud to help local enterprises start, grow and succeed:
- Workspaces for 60+ businesses on our campuses.
- £14 million raised by LSBU-founded startups in 2023/24.
- 40 new startups launched with support from our Enterprising Futures team - creating 400+ jobs.
- 450+ businesses supported through UK Shared Prosperity Fund projects.
Research that makes a difference
Our research tackles real-world challenges and delivers impact where it matters most.
Our barbershop blood pressure project brought health checks to south London barbershops, reaching men at risk of undiagnosed hypertension who might not visit a GP. The project won a Times Higher Education award and is based on our internationally recognised research in kidney care and health inequalities.
PHIRST South Bank is one of only four public health evaluation centres set up by the National Institute for Health Research. Working with local authorities, we’re evaluating interventions to reduce gambling harms and support smoking cessation.
And our GreenScies project is delivering heat, mobility and power to around 33,000 residents and 70 businesses in Islington. This smart energy grid is estimated to cut carbon emissions by around 80% compared to traditional systems. It also helps tackle fuel poverty by delivering substantial savings on consumer energy bills.
Advice, support and services for local people
We open our doors to the community, offering practical help, expert advice and affordable services to local residents and businesses.
- Our Legal Advice Clinic provides general and specialist legal advice to local residents, and won a LawWorks award in 2022 for its work establishing and running Windrush Justice Clinics
- The LSBU Energy Advice Centre is Southwark Council’s official green homes service, providing energy advice online and in person - the first of its kind in the UK
- Our Business Solutions Centre offers hands-on support to local micro-businesses across all sectors
- The Chiropractic Clinic at our Croydon campus provides affordable chiropractic services to the public
- LSBU Active offers affordable gym membership and holiday sports camps for children
We also offer a wide range of short courses through the LSBU Centre for Applied and Professional Education, from professional development in health, business and technology to hands-on learning at the National Bakery School. Whether you’re upskilling for work or exploring a new passion, there’s something for you.
In addition, we provide a wide range of adult courses at South Bank Colleges, including ESOL and English & Maths qualifications designed to support learners at every stage. Whether you are building confidence in English, gaining a GCSE in maths, or improving essential skills for work and everyday life, our supportive community campuses offer welcoming, accessible routes to progress.