WEA courses

Are you looking for functional skills English courses for free? You can boost your maths and English skills with a government-funded course at the WEA. If you are over 19 and don’t have an English GCSE at C or Grade 4, then you can study for free.  Not having a qualification in English can hold you back. In many cases, you will need it for apprenticeships or to get a job. Maybe you want to ace your GCSE retakes but the idea of going back to school fills you with dread. Or you want a level 2 qualification, but you don’t want to do GCSEs again. This is where the WEA comes in.  We’re not like a school or a college; we’re adult learning specialists. Our English functional skills classes help you build on the skills that you use every day. We make our courses fun and easy to learn.

Are you looking for functional skills maths courses for free?  You can boost your maths and maths skills with a government-funded course at the WEA. If you are over 19 and don’t have an English GCSE at C or Grade 4, then you can study for free.  Not having a qualification in maths can hold you back. In many cases, you will need it for apprenticeships or to get a job. Maybe you want to ace your GCSE retakes but the idea of going back to school fills you with dread. Or you want a level 2 qualification, but you don’t want to do GCSEs again. This is where the WEA comes in.  We’re not like a school or a college; we’re adult learning specialists. Our maths functional skills classes help you build on the skills that you use every day. We make our courses fun and easy to learn.

This practical and confidence‑building course introduces you to the valuable life skill of making do and mending, helping you to repair, reuse, and extend the life of everyday items. Rooted in sustainability and self‑reliance, the course encourages you to save money, reduce waste, and feel more confident tackling simple repairs at home. Through hands‑on, tutor‑led activities, you will explore basic techniques such as simple sewing repairs, mending clothes, replacing buttons, fixing small tears, and adapting items for reuse. Sessions are relaxed and supportive, with clear demonstrations and plenty of time to practise skills at an individual pace. No previous experience is required, and all activities are suitable for beginners. Alongside practical skills, the course focuses on developing confidence and independence. You are encouraged to problem‑solve, try new techniques, and share ideas with others in the group. Making and repairing items provides a strong sense of achievement, helping learners build self‑esteem and trust in your abilities. The course also promotes wellbeing and sustainability, offering a mindful and rewarding learning experience. Working with your hands can be calming and enjoyable, while learning to repair rather than replace supports more environmentally friendly habits. Group learning helps reduce isolation and builds positive social connections in a friendly and inclusive environment. By the end of the course, you will have gained practical mending skill

You will explore personal strengths, overcome barriers, and develop positive communication techniques that enhance confidence in real-life situations. Alongside this, the course introduces practical tools for job searching, CV writing, interview skills, and workplace expectations. Interactive activities, group discussions, and reflective tasks ensure you feel supported as they grow. By the end of the programme, you will feel more empowered, more prepared, and more confident in taking the next steps towards employment success.

This course introduces learners to the art and efficiency of creating delicious, balanced, and satisfying meals using just one pot. Focusing on simplicity, flavour, and nutrition, students will explore a range of cooking methods and cuisines that emphasize minimal cleanup without compromising on quality or taste. Throughout the course, participants will learn how to plan, prepare, and cook a variety of one-pot dishes including soups, stews, casseroles, curries, stir-fries, and skillet meals. Emphasis will be placed on ingredient selection, layering of flavours, timing, and presentation techniques. Learners will also gain insights into adapting recipes for dietary preferences, budget-friendly cooking, and maximizing seasonal produce. By the end of this course, students will be able to confidently create wholesome and flavourful one-pot meals suitable for home, hospitality, or catering settings.

This 60 GLH course supports adults to start or progress a career in construction. It begins with an initial assessment to identify each learner’s strengths, goals, and any barriers to learning or employment. From this, an individual learning plan is created with clear, achievable targets and agreed support. Learners will gain an introduction to construction, exploring the skills, knowledge, and job roles available. Employability skills such as teamwork, communication, and problem-solving are embedded and linked to real employer vacancies. The course includes the Ascentis Level 1 Award in Health and Safety in a Construction Environment, a nationally recognised qualification required to work safely on site and apply for a CSCS card. Learners receive full support to prepare for and pass the CSCS test. In addition, learners will gain an understanding of the requirements of the National Plant Operators Registration Scheme and how to gain the NPORS Red Card. Finally, learners receive one-to-one employment support, including coaching, CV and application help, mock interviews, and careers advice, helping them move confidently into construction jobs or further training. On successful completion of modules learners will also be awarded a Digital Badge to evidence their learning, for use on CVs and social media.

This course is funded by the South Yorkshire Combined Authority and is only available to residents living within the South Yorkshire Combined Authority area. This course is designed to help you prepare for the UK driving theory test in a practical way. The course focuses on building knowledge of the Highway Code, road signs, and driving rules while developing the English vocabulary needed to understand and answer test questions. By the end of the course, you will have gained confidence, improved understanding of road safety, and developed the skills needed to progress successfully to the theory test.

This course is funded by the West Yorkshire Combined Authority and is only available to residents living within the West Yorkshire Combined Authority area.

This course is funded by the West Midlands Combined Authority and is only available to residents living within the West Midlands Combined Authority area. 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 West Midlands Combined Authority and is only available to residents living within the West Midlands Combined Authority area. Continue developing English skills to help you in work and everyday life situations. This functional skills English entry 2 course teaches you skills for reading, writing, and communicating in English. Learn how to improve your writing skills and build on the basic reading skills from entry 1. Adult English courses teach you practical communication skills to help you get a job or study. Develop your English skills through real-life situations. This course teaches you tools and resources to improve your use of English in new and familiar situations. These skills can help you succeed in your studies, professional situations, and social interactions. This 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.