06 May 2026

Hull in focus: impact of a place-based approach to learning

Early results from our placed-based collaboration work in Hull.

Supported by Ufi, cities across the UK are testing new ways to tackle persistent challenges in adult skills, bringing together local partners to design solutions that reflect the needs of their communities.

In Hull, this approach is showing huge potential. Through the Hey Hull project, partners are exploring how linking learning, volunteering and local opportunity can help more adults take part in learning and build confidence.

This short update shares early insights from the work so far, ahead of a full report from the programme due later this year.

Click to enlarge, or download the infographic (.pdf).

Hull in focus: early signs of what place-based collaboration can achieve

As part of our place-based collaboration work in Hull, we’re starting to see encouraging signs of what can happen when local partners come together around a shared challenge.

Led by Hull College and HEY! Volunteering, Hey Hull is designed to tackle low levels of adult participation in learning by creating flexible routes into learning, volunteering and work.

Ahead of a full evaluation later this year, a new snapshot of emerging findings highlights early progress, and pointes to what’s working on the ground.

Why this work matters

Hull faces some of the most significant challenges in adult learning in England:

Ranked near the bottom nationally for adults with Level 3 qualifications
Many residents face barriers including cost, transport, confidence and awareness of opportunities

Hey Hull is testing a different approach by linking learning with volunteering, and designing provision around local needs.

A selection of the 40 free microcredentials available to adult learners in Hull.

Key stats from the early findings

The infographic shows clear signs of engagement and reach:

40 new microcredentials developed, focused on practical skills like employability, digital wellbeing and using AI
Positive feedback from learners on the relevance and usability of these courses
50% of new volunteers are from underrepresented communities
Higher participation from men and younger people than in previous volunteering cohorts

Alongside this, the programme is trialling new approaches such as immersive digital experiences, including an online “escape room” designed to build problem-solving skills.

What’s making the difference?

Early learning points from the delivery team underline the value of a place-based approach:

Create, test and adapt – refining the offer based on what works locally
Strong local partnerships – especially with organisations rooted in communities
Flexible, inclusive design – supporting people facing barriers to learning
Linking learning to real-world opportunities – particularly through volunteering

There are also early signs that connecting microcredentials to practical experiences – like placements in Hull’s arts and cultural sector – helps learners see clear pathways into work.

Looking ahead

This is an early snapshot, not the full picture. A comprehensive evaluation, due later this year, will explore the impact in more detail – including what this model could mean for other places looking to boost adult participation in learning. But these early findings already point to a clear message:

When learning is designed around people, place and local partnerships, it can open up new routes to opportunity.