WEA courses

This course is funded by the Department for Education and only open to residents living in non devolved authorities. Foundations in the Creative Arts enables you to explore creativity in a relaxed, supportive space. Creative Arts is an umbrella term covering a range of activities and themes such as practical art, drawing and painting, mosaics, sewing and craft, and creative writing. No previous experience is needed, making the set course ideal as a first step back into learning. The course supports health and wellbeing by encouraging relaxation, mindfulness through making, and time to focus on enjoyable creative activities. You will build confidence, reduce stress, and develop a sense of achievement while connecting with others in a positive, social environment. Sessions focus on simple techniques, sharing ideas, and enjoying the creative process rather than perfection. By the end of the course, you will have created a small personal project and have gained inspiration to continue creative activities at home or move on to other community or skills based courses.

This course is funded by the Department for Education and only open to residents living in non devolved authorities.  Budgeting Skills (Home Office) supports Entry 1–Entry 2 ESOL learners to understand everyday money management in the UK. The course introduces common household expenses such as rent, food and utility bills, and helps learners recognise UK coins, notes and payment methods including cash, card and contactless. Learners develop basic vocabulary for talking about money, shopping and bills, and practise reading simple documents such as receipts and utility bills. Through practical activities, they begin to sort needs from wants and track basic spending, building early confidence in managing their personal budget.

This course is funded by the Department for Education and only open to residents living in non devolved authorities. Confidence Building is a friendly, supportive course designed to help you feel more confident in everyday life and work. You will explore self-belief, communication skills, and practical ways to manage nerves and negative thinking. The course can be tailored to your goals—whether you are returning to work, preparing for interviews, starting a small business, or wanting to improve your self-esteem. You will take part in activities such as group discussions, goal setting, role play, and simple planning tasks. Step by step, you will build your confidence, share experiences, and celebrate your progress in a safe and encouraging environment. By the end of the course, you will leave with practical skills and a personal action plan to help you take your next steps.

This course is funded by the Department for Education and only open to residents living in non devolved authorities. Confidence Building is a friendly, supportive course designed to help you feel more confident in everyday life and work. You will explore self-belief, communication skills, and practical ways to manage nerves and negative thinking. The course can be tailored to your goals—whether you are returning to work, preparing for interviews, starting a small business, or wanting to improve your self-esteem. You will take part in activities such as group discussions, goal setting, role play, and simple planning tasks. Step by step, you will build your confidence, share experiences, and celebrate your progress in a safe and encouraging environment. By the end of the course, you will leave with practical skills and a personal action plan to help you take your next steps.

This course is funded by the Department for Education and only open to residents living in non devolved authorities. This course introduces you to the basics of healthy living through cooking and nutrition activities. You will learn how to make easy meals and snacks, understand healthy food choices, and use kitchen equipment safely. Each session includes step-by-step demonstrations, hands on cooking, and supportive guidance to build your confidence. By the end of the course, you will be able to prepare simple, healthy recipes, understand key food groups and make small changes for a healthier lifestyle.

This course is funded by the Department for Education and only open to residents living in non devolved authorities. This course is course designed for adults with little or no experience using technology. Learners will explore the basics of digital devices. The course introduces essential skills such as recognising common digital symbols, understanding hardware components and using a keyboard and a mouse confidently. Learners will practise connecting devices securely to Wi-Fi and Bluetooth and learn internet safety tips. With hands-on activities and clear guidance, this course builds confidence and prepares learners for further digital learning in a supportive environment.

This course is funded by the Greater Manchester Combined Authority and is only available to residents living within the Greater Manchester Combined Authority area. WEA’s Functional Skills Maths Entry Level 2 course supports learners in developing the practical numeracy skills needed for everyday life, work, and further learning. Building on Entry Level 1 skills, the course helps learners gain confidence in using numbers and mathematical skills in familiar situations. You will work with whole numbers up to 200, simple fractions and decimals, measures, time, money, shapes, and basic data. Through everyday contexts such as shopping, travel, cooking, and daily routines, learners develop confidence in solving simple mathematical problems. You will need to complete a BKSB initial assessment to check if the course is suitable. At the end of the course, you will take a final exam to complete the qualification.

This course is funded by the Greater Manchester Combined Authority and is only available to residents living within the Greater Manchester Combined Authority area. WEA’s Functional Skills Maths Entry Level 3 course supports learners in developing the practical numeracy skills needed for everyday life, work, and further learning. Building on Entry Level 1 and 2, this course strengthens confidence in using numbers to solve real-life problems. Learners will work with whole numbers, fractions, decimals, percentages, measures, and simple data in familiar contexts such as budgeting, shopping, and interpreting information. Teaching is tailored to individual needs through initial and diagnostic assessments, ensuring learners receive targeted support and clear progression goals. By the end of the course, learners will feel more confident applying maths in everyday situations and ready for the Functional Skills assessment. You will complete a BKSB initial assessment to check if the course is suitable. At the end of the course, you will take a final exam to complete the qualification.

This course is funded by the Department for Education and only open to residents living in non devolved authorities. This course supports adults returning to education by building confidence, resilience, and essential learning behaviours. Learners will explore growth mindset, time management, independence, health and wellbeing and communication skills. Through interactive activities, reflection, and goal setting, learners will develop self-awareness and readiness for future study. Flexible modular units allow learners to focus on areas most relevant to their needs, creating a personalised pathway to success. Ready to Learn empowers learners to thrive in modern learning environments with confidence and purpose.

This course is funded by the Department for Education and only open to residents living in non devolved authorities. This course helps you build strong, sustainable community organisations. You’ll explore the basics of governance, planning, fundraising, finance and key policies, and learn how these elements keep a group safe, credible and well run. You’ll also look at how to support volunteers, manage people fairly, and make sure everyone feels included through good equality and diversity practices. The course teaches simple communication skills, how to engage your community, and how to build useful local networks. By the end of the course, you’ll understand how to plan for the future and create community organisations that make a lasting, positive difference.