Our volunteers and staff have been working with people in local communities since 1903. We are a democratically run charity with people taking part in making decisions and planning their own local courses. We have very few buildings of our own and run courses in places that people feel are convenient and ‘safe’. We run courses in community centres, schools, village halls, workplaces as well as in some surprising places. We have run courses for farmers in auction marts and for would-be musicians in recording studios and live music venues.

Many people come to the WEA because they have missed out on education or can’t find what they want from other educational organisations. Others have already got qualifications but want to keep on learning. We try to offer something different from the other educational choices available for adults .

The WEA is one of the UK's biggest charities, and operates at local, regional and national levels with international links. The Yorkshire and Humber Region is one of nine English Regions.

Aims

To involve learners, volunteers, members and other partners in:
Influencing and campaigning on behalf of adult learners
Removing barriers to learning
Being responsive in the heart of communities
Making the most effective use of all our resources
Promoting learning for life
Changing and enriching lives through learning - at individual and community levels
Promoting adult education worldwide
If you would like to find out more...

Our courses come under 3 strands:

Second Chance to Learn: making it possible for adults with few or no educational qualifications to gain nationally recognised qualifications with friendly support and encouragement.

Community Involvement: making it possible for students to learn a wider range of skills with a focus on the benefits of learning for groups and communities, as well as for individuals.

People can improve confidence, health, and communication skills as well as the capacity to take part in community activity, support children’s learning, become an effective volunteer or an activist in communities, charities or trade unions.

Cultural Studies: this strand is designed to attract any adult with a ‘love of learning’ who wants to develop an understanding of a subject for ‘its own sake’ and wish to be involved in the planning and delivery of the provision. The strand offers opportunities for serious educational study, with a focus which is more academic than leisure.

The WEA is one of the UK’s biggest charities, and operates at local, regional and national levels with international links. The Yorkshire and Humber Region is one of nine English Regions.

Click on this link to visit the national Association website:
http://www.wea.org.uk

The WEA is a Registered Charity, no. 1112775, and a company limited by guarantee, registered in England, no. 2806910