One of the key elements of the Excellence in Cities (EiC) programme is the establishment of a network of school-based City Learning Centres (CLCs). There are over 100 CLCs operating in EiC areas across the country. These provide state-of-the art ICT-based learning opportunities for the pupils at the host school, for pupils at a network of surrounding schools and for the wider community.

CLCs enhance learning across the whole curriculum by: providing courses and opportunities for individual pupils; delivering services and outreach support for a wider network of local schools, including providing extension activities for gifted and talented pupils and study support; acting as test beds for innovation and new ways of teaching and learning; cascading best practice amongst the local network of schools; being involved in the London Challenge Interactive Whiteboard project, the CLCs are providing most of the Whiteboard training to London's teachers, KS3 Coordinators / Consultants and technicians (for more information click here) and linking with other facilities including other learning centres, the network of specialist and beacon schools, NGFL, Ufl and other centres of learning (e.g. libraries). They also offer opportunities to the local community to utilise the power of ICT.

Funding

CLCs will normally be sited in schools, with emphasis on enhancing opportunity in disadvantaged areas. Up to £1.2 million per CLC is available for capital and initial start-up costs plus recurrent funding of £220,000 per annum. In addition, following their first full year of being open they have so far received an additional amount of up to £150,000 each year, for capital redevelopment to ensure their technology remains at the forefront.

Current Position on CLC Development

105 CLCs are now open in EiC areas. Click here ( 942 Kb) to download a map of the CLCs.