The University of Bristol is one of the most popular and successful universities in the UK, ranked in the world's top 60 in the QS World University Rankings 2021. It is at the cutting edge of global research, with innovations in areas ranging from cot death prevention to nanotechnology. It has over 26,000 students, studying on over 200 different degree courses. The University was founded as a University College in 1876, with 238 evening students and 99 day students, and has provided lifelong learning – in various forms – to people in the city and region ever since. Current work includes continuing professional development courses in areas such as education, management and veterinary sciences; a programme of short courses at the University’s Botanic Gardens; an innovative part-time degree course in English Literature and Community Engagement; and a developing suite of Foundation Years in Arts, Social Sciences and STEM subjects, which recruit students of all ages without prior qualifications. The University is also an active member of the Bristol Learning City partnership, which brings together providers across the city to champion learning as a way to transform communities. Over the coming years, the University will work more strategically with partners to develop new lifelong learning opportunities linked to our innovative research in areas such as innovation, digital futures and the creative economy; introduce new flexible opportunities aimed at those in our region who might not otherwise enter higher education; and maximise our use of blended learning to reach new audiences locally and internationally.