Frequently Asked Questions

How can I contact Learning for Life?

For all enquiries please contact Elizabeth Melville (Administrator) on:

t: or
e:

Learning for Life at NICER
Canterbury Christ Church University
North Holms Road
Canterbury
Kent
CT1 1QU

How is the organisation funded?

Learning for Life is funded by a number of organisations interested in developing character education in the UK.

What is Character Education?

We define character education in the following way: – First, that there is such a thing as character, an interlocked set of personal values and virtues which normally guide conduct. Character is about who we are and who we become and includes the virtues of responsibility, honesty, self-reliance, reliability, generosity, self-discipline, and a sense of identity and purpose. Second, that this is not a fixed set, easily measured or incapable of modification. Third, choices about conduct are choices about ‘right’ or ‘wrong’ actions and thoughts.

Who are members of your advisory board?

The advisory board is chaired by Lord Watson. For other members of the board see ‘The Advisory Board’ section.

Do you work directly with schools?

Yes, we run training programmes and develop our resources in schools. If you are interested in this opportunity, contact Tom Harrison on

I want to get my school involved with the Awards programme, is this possible?

Yes. We are always looking for schools to run the award. Please contact Ronnie Davidson, the Award Programme Administrator, for more details about how your school can get involved.

Ronnie can be contacted on or by email on

Who is involved with the organisation?

The director of the organisation is Professor James Arthur. Other members of the team can be located under the ‘Team’ section.

What is the specific intellectual justification for carrying out this particular project?

Schools and the wider educational system are subject to an understandable pressure to provide functionally competent persons equipped to meet the increasingly competitive demands of employment. In so doing, they may ignore or, more likely, take for granted the equally important dimensions of personal education that encourage a student to become aware of himself or herself, as a responsible person. One might say that while schools have become better focused on the task of making students more response-able, they have given scant attention to the business of helping them to become more responsible. Both dimensions of education are essential if a student is to be capable of assuming/taking on his or her full role in society with a sense of purpose. A reinvigorated conscious focus upon character education in schools is a necessity, if a proper balance is to be restored to the educational process.

Is Learning for Life political or religious?

Learning for Life is nonpartisan and non-sectarian. The people and organizations involved may have diverse views and backgrounds, but they find common purpose in support of character education, based on shared ethical values.

I am interested in what Leaning for Life is doing, what other organisations should I look at?

Currently there are very few organisations similar to Learning for Life in the UK, however there are several in the USA. For further details of these please check out the links page here .