The penny lectures were extremely successful, with both attendees (to the point they couldn’t fit everyone inside) and with financial support with philanthropic funding.

The popularity of the ‘penny lectures’ encouraged the opening of the Morley Memorial College in 1889 not long after Morley's death. Now known as The Morley College (London) this is a thriving community college for adult learners and still bares its motto "Learning for Life". Prior to this Morley was also treasurer of Homerton College, chairing its inauguration on 20 April 1852 as the new 'Training Institution of the Congregational Board of Education', following purchase, extension and rebuilding on the site of the old mansion and buildings of Homerton Academy. Proving to be true advocate of high quality education for all.