London is often regarded as a success story when it comes to social mobility. High levels of school attainment and progression to higher education have in particular underpinned London’s reputation as a city of opportunity, even for local children from poorer backgrounds.

However, more still needs to be done to ensure that the education that young people receive in London can assist them in accessing the opportunities that the capital has to offer. The focus on schools and immediate post-school higher education in London can also obscure the need for more action on adult learning.

On 25 October 2022, Centre for London held a roundtable involving representatives from London universities, local government, and organisations working with disadvantaged young people, to discuss the successes and challenges for social mobility in the city.