WEA courses

This course is funded by the West Midlands Combined Authority and is only available to residents living within the West Midlands Combined Authority area. English for Work and Study (Level 1) develops the language and study skills needed for more advanced communication in work, education and community settings. Learners practise taking part in extended discussions, understanding detailed explanations, reading longer texts and writing structured paragraphs. The course builds confidence in using English independently and accurately. Activities focus on real‑life tasks such as problem‑solving, presenting information, interpreting documents and writing for different purposes. This course prepares learners for Level 2 ESOL or further study.

This course is funded by the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority and is only available to residents living within the Liverpool City Region Combined Authority area. This Get Ready for Functional Skills English course provides a supportive introduction to reading, writing, speaking and listening for adults working at Pre‑Entry level. Delivered over 24 guided learning hours across 12 two‑hour sessions, it helps learners build confidence, develop essential foundation skills and prepare for progression to Entry Level 1 Functional Skills English. Learners take part in practical, everyday activities such as recognising key words, understanding simple spoken information, writing short phrases and taking part in brief conversations. Taught in a relaxed, inclusive environment with no formal exams, the course builds confidence and readiness for further English study.

This course is funded by the Department for Education and only open to residents living in non devolved authorities. English Conversation – Entry 1 helps learners build confidence using simple spoken English in familiar, everyday situations. The course focuses on short conversations such as greetings, introductions, asking simple questions and giving basic personal information. Learners practise listening for key words, responding with short phrases and using everyday vocabulary to communicate needs. Activities include pair work, role‑play and guided conversations to help learners feel more comfortable speaking in English. The course provides a supportive starting point for learners who are beginning to use spoken English and want to develop confidence before progressing to higher‑level conversation classes.

This course is funded by the Department for Education and only open to residents living in non devolved authorities. English Conversation – Entry 1 helps learners build confidence using simple spoken English in familiar, everyday situations. The course focuses on short conversations such as greetings, introductions, asking simple questions and giving basic personal information. Learners practise listening for key words, responding with short phrases and using everyday vocabulary to communicate needs. Activities include pair work, role‑play and guided conversations to help learners feel more comfortable speaking in English. The course provides a supportive starting point for learners who are beginning to use spoken English and want to develop confidence before progressing to higher‑level conversation classes.

This course is funded by the Department for Education and only open to residents living in non devolved authorities. English Conversation – Entry 3 helps learners develop clearer, more confident spoken English for everyday and community situations. The course focuses on using connected sentences to express opinions, describe experiences and take part in short discussions. Learners practise listening for detail, asking follow‑up questions and using a wider range of vocabulary. Activities include group discussions, role‑play and practical speaking tasks that build fluency and confidence. The course supports learners who want to improve their communication skills for daily life, volunteering or further ESOL study.

This course is funded by the Department for Education and only open to residents living in non devolved authorities. English Conversation – Entry 2 helps learners develop confidence speaking in a wider range of everyday situations. The course focuses on using simple sentences to talk about daily life, ask and answer questions and share personal experiences. Learners practise listening for key information, expressing likes and dislikes and taking part in short group discussions. Activities include role‑play, pair work and practical speaking tasks to build fluency and confidence. The course supports learners who can use basic English but want to develop clearer, more confident communication in everyday conversations.

This course is funded by the Department for Education and only open to residents living in non devolved authorities. English Conversation – Entry 2 helps learners develop confidence speaking in a wider range of everyday situations. The course focuses on using simple sentences to talk about daily life, ask and answer questions and share personal experiences. Learners practise listening for key information, expressing likes and dislikes and taking part in short group discussions. Activities include role‑play, pair work and practical speaking tasks to build fluency and confidence. The course supports learners who can use basic English but want to develop clearer, more confident communication in everyday conversations.

This course is funded by the South Yorkshire Combined Authority and is only available to residents living within the South Yorkshire Combined Authority area. English Conversation (Pre Entry) is a gentle introduction to speaking and listening for adults who are new to learning English. The course focuses on building confidence, recognising familiar words, and taking part in short, supported conversations. Learners practise simple greetings, everyday phrases and basic listening tasks in a relaxed, friendly environment. Activities use pictures, real life objects and guided practice to help learners communicate in familiar situations. This course is ideal for learners who need reassurance, confidence building and a positive first step before progressing to an Entry 1 ESOL level course such as English For Everyday Life.

This course is funded by the Department for Education and only open to residents living in non devolved authorities. Continue developing your English skills to open doors to work and study opportunities. This entry 3 functional skills course helps you learn English skills employers look for. Gain practical skills to improve your reading, writing, and verbal communication in English. Strengthen your writing skills and learn reading techniques to help you tackle everyday situations at work or while studying. This adult English course helps you develop your language skills through real-life situations. Functional Skills entry 3 is a government-funded accredited English course for adults. Functional Skills qualifications are free if you don't already have a GCSE in English or Maths at grades A*-C, or 4-9. We'll check your level and any previous qualifications before you start. This ensures you are on the correct course.

This course is funded by the East Midlands Combined County Authority and is only available to residents living within the East Midlands Combined County Authority area. English for Everyday Life (Entry 1) helps learners develop basic English for daily communication. The course focuses on simple speaking, listening, reading and writing skills used in familiar situations such as shopping, travel, appointments and home routines. Learners practise short conversations, understand basic instructions, read simple words and sentences, and write short phrases. Activities are practical and confidence‑building, helping learners use English in real‑life situations. This course prepares learners for further ESOL study and progression to Entry 2 ESOL level courses such as Practical English Skills.