About

At the heart of SML Alliance is a simple belief: that learning is most powerful when it is chosen, not imposed.

This vision has been shaped and championed for over 50 years by Dr Ian Cunningham, the creator of Self Managed Learning (SML) and the driving force behind the Alliance.

Dr Ian Cunningham – A Life in Learning

From the start, Ian never fitted the mould. As a school student, he lived by Oscar Wilde’s words: “I love to learn — but I can’t bear to be taught.” That restless curiosity has shaped a career dedicated to challenging conventional education and creating radical alternatives.

 

 

 

  • University & Activism (1960s): As a student, Ian campaigned for curriculum reform and soon became a national leader, serving on the National Union of Students executive and later as National Secretary for education policy (1966–70). His work promoted bold changes to higher education at a time of great social transformation.
  • Early Career (1970s): Ian began implementing learner-centred approaches as a trainer in local government training before moving into business schools. At North East London Polytechnic, he helped launch the innovative School for Independent Study, where students could design their own degree.
  • The Birth of Self Managed Learning (1979): While at a business school, as Head of Personal Development, Ian formalised the Self Managed Learning approach — enabling learners to set their own goals, work collaboratively, and reflect on progress. This became the foundation for his life’s work.
  • Research on Learning (1980s–90s): At Ashridge Management School and later as Chief Executive of Roffey Park Management College, Ian led research projects on learning in organisations as well as completed a PhD in Management Learning.
  • Developing Self Managed Learning (1987-1993): At Roffey Park he introduced radical programmes that embedded SML in leadership and management education, including two Masters degrees with the University of Sussex.
  • Global Impact (1990s–2020s): Through Strategic Developments International, Ian brought Self Managed Learning into some of the world’s largest organisations, as well as government departments, local authorities and the NHS. He also authored nine books and over 150 papers, and held visiting professorships in the UK, USA, Hungary and India.
  • SML for Young People (2001–2025): As founder and chair of the Centre for Self Managed Learning charity, Ian turned his focus to schools and young people. The SML College in Brighton ran for 24 years, giving hundreds of young people the chance to shape their own learning, supported by a community of peers and mentors.

The Next Chapter – SML Alliance

Now, as founder of SML Alliance, Ian’s mission continues. The Alliance exists to:

  • Support new SML communities across the UK and beyond.
  • Share decades of experience and resources with families, educators, and community leaders.
  • Provide mentoring, development and practical tools for those setting up learning communities.
  • Keep alive the vision of learning that responds to real needs.

Why It Matters

Self Managed Learning has shown time and again that when learners set their own goals, design their own learning, and reflect with the support of a community, they achieve more than traditional structures ever allowed. It builds confidence, purpose and lifelong skills.

Through the Alliance, Ian’s pioneering work is now being shared more widely than ever, creating opportunities for the next generation of learners and communities.