Merton Council has approved a new contract for its adult learning services, ensuring the continuation of vital skills training for residents. The decision, made at a Cabinet meeting on Monday, 24 November 2025, will see an estimated £795,000 per annum, totaling £3,975,000 over five years, invested in the Merton Adult Learning (MAL) service.
The new contract will be for three years, with the option to extend for an additional two years (1+1). The Cabinet also delegated authority to award the contract to the Executive Director for Children Lifelong Learning and Families, in consultation with the Lead Member for Jobs, Skills and Education, Councillor Sally Kenny.
According to a council report, the MAL service has been delivered through a commissioning model since 2016-17. This model ensures that the adult learning provision is delivered at no cost to the council, with funding allocated annually by the Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA) and the Greater London Authority (GLA).
The main MAL contract covers a significant number of skills areas, including:
- Vocational qualifications
- Wellbeing and Confidence programme
- English as a Second Language
- Social Care Courses
- GCSEs
- Confidence Building
- Employability courses
The Merton Adult Learning offer also includes some smaller contracts, used to effectively provide more targeted training in priority areas and for particular skills areas, making provision more accessible to learners.
The Public reports pack provides further details on the agenda and reports considered at the meeting. More information about the council's activities can be found on the Merton Council website.
