Leeds Beckett University and Luminate Education Group join forces in sector-leading alliance for the city

The alliance brings together two of the city's most significant education providers at a moment when the government is pushing for closer alignment between further and higher education. Rather than a merger, this is a coming together of shared values and complementary strengths – Leeds Beckett and Luminate will remain independent institutions, each with their own governance, brand and degree-awarding powers, but will work side by side to remove barriers to learning and respond directly to what local employers need.

For students, that means more flexible and accessible routes into education, with new courses designed in partnership with businesses to close the gap between what people learn and what the region's employers are actually looking for. For Leeds, it means two anchor institutions – already deeply rooted in the city's communities – pooling their influence to drive social mobility and inclusive growth at a scale neither could achieve alone.

It's a model of collaboration that reflects Leeds Beckett's wider identity as a university built into the fabric of its city. With a student community as diverse as the region it serves, and a longstanding commitment to working with employers and partners to prepare graduates for the world of work, the university has consistently positioned itself not just as a place of study but as an active participant in Leeds' economic and cultural life. This alliance is a natural extension of that role.

Professor Peter Slee, Vice Chancellor at Leeds Beckett University, described the alliance as building on already strong foundations. "This alliance builds on existing strong relationships between our university and the Luminate group," he said. "Working with businesses and employers on a future skilled workforce will bring benefits to people in Leeds – another example of the city's anchor institutions working together to make a positive contribution to the local and regional economy."

Bill Jones, CEO at Luminate Education Group, said the partnership would allow both organisations to respond more effectively to skills priorities across the region. "By collaborating with Leeds Beckett University we can respond to local and regional skills priorities, through the development of new courses and routes that meet the needs of employers," he said. "Our alliance will bring together our shared commitment to opening up access to education and removing any barriers to learning."

The alliance was formally announced at the Leeds Inclusive Growth event on Monday 6 July, held at the Hisense Lounge, Elland Road.