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 course is funded by the York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority and is only available to residents living within the York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority area. Communicating Confidently (2-Hour Online Taster) - Introduction to confident communication and its impact - Recognising personal communication strengths and challenges - Quick techniques to manage nerves and build confidence - Structuring clear and concise messages - The basics of active listening and effective responses - Using tone, body language, and presence in virtual settings - Introduction to assertive communication - Speaking up in meetings and group discussions - Practical exercises and live practice opportunities - Tips for applying confident communication in everyday situations

This course is designed for ESOL learners at Entry 1 who want to improve their English for work and employability. You will learn useful vocabulary and phrases for the workplace, practise speaking and listening in work-related situations, and build confidence in reading and writing simple job-related texts. The course focuses on practical communication skills such as introducing yourself, asking questions, and understanding basic job information. Activities are interactive and supportive, helping you take steps towards employment or volunteering. Join us to develop your language skills and gain confidence for work opportunities.

This course is funded by the Greater London Authority and is only available to residents living within the Greater London Authority area. Build on your communication skills for work with this ESOL speaking and listening course. This English course for adults is aimed at speakers of other languages. It will help you improve your speaking and listening skills to communicate better in English.

This course is funded by the South Yorkshire Combined Authority and only available to residents living within the South Yorkshire Combined Authority area. Would you like to feel more confident in conversations, meetings, or speaking in public? If you struggle to find your voice or get your point across, this communication skills course can help you feel more comfortable in conversation. Improving your communication skills can go a long way towards boosting your confidence in these situations. Learn effective tools and techniques to improve your communication skills. Whether you want to feel more comfortable meeting new people, holding union meetings or participating in community discussions, these confidence-building exercises can help you.

This course is funded by the York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority and is only available to residents living within the York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority area. This interactive 2-hour online taster session is designed to equip learners with the essential communication skills needed to succeed in the job market. Focusing on interview techniques and presentation skills, participants will build confidence, improve their ability to showcase their strengths, and develop practical strategies to support their progression into employment. Through guided activities, real-world examples, and expert tips, learners will gain a better understanding of what employers are looking for and how to present themselves effectively in both interviews and professional settings.

This course is funded by the Greater London Authority and is only available to residents living within the Greater London Authority area. This course is funded by the Greater London Authority and only available to residents living within the GLA area. This Get Ready for ESOL course is a pre‑entry course for adults who are at the very beginning of their studies for ESOL courses. This 9‑hour course will help you gain confidence to begin your ESOL studies especially if you are new to studying. This course provides a supportive introduction to English and prepares you for further ESOL study.

Life and Work in the UK introduces new arrivals to the essential language, knowledge and practical skills needed to settle confidently into everyday life and early work situations. The course supports Entry ESOL learners to understand key UK systems such as housing, healthcare, education and local services, while also exploring basic workplace expectations and routines. Learners develop simple English for asking for information, understanding written notices, completing short forms and describing personal experiences. Activities focus on real life tasks, cultural awareness and building confidence to navigate life and work in the UK more independently.

This course is funded by the York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority and is only available to residents living within the York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority area. Communicating Confidently (Digital) – 2-Hour Online Taster - Introduction to confident digital communication - Understanding tone and clarity in written messages - Common pitfalls in email, chat, and online platforms - Writing clear, concise, and professional emails - Best practices for Teams/chat messaging - Adapting communication style for different audiences and situations - Managing tone to avoid misunderstandings online - Building confidence in virtual conversations and responses - Effective participation in online meetings and discussions - Tips for staying professional and authentic in digital spaces - Practical exercises using real-life digital scenarios - Actions to improve day-to-day digital communication immediately