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 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 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 Entry 2 course helps you build the skills to search and apply for jobs using your smartphone. Learners have to be enrolled and assessed in person. 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 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.

This beginner-level course introduces learners to the essential fastening techniques used in textile and fashion projects. Ideal for those new to sewing or looking to build core construction skills, the course focuses on understanding and applying three key types of closures: zips, buttons, and flaps. Students will learn how to prepare fabrics, mark placements, and use sewing tools confidently while practising a range of simple methods. The course covers inserting standard zips, sewing on buttons securely, creating buttonholes, and constructing basic flaps suitable for bags, cushions, and garments. Clear demonstrations and step-by-step guidance support learners through each technique, helping them build accuracy and good sewing habits from the start. Through hands-on practice, participants will produce a set of samples that demonstrate their developing skills, with opportunities to personalise details such as stitching, fabric choices, and finishing touches. The course emphasises building confidence, improving precision, and understanding how closures contribute to both function and design. By the end of the course, learners will have a strong foundation in using simple closures and the confidence to incorporate them into future sewing projects. This course is perfect for beginners who want to enhance their making skills and gain practical experience with essential textile techniques.

An ESOL Conversation class at Entry 3 and above helps learners build confidence speaking in everyday and simple work situations by practising longer sentences, useful phrases, and sharing ideas. It also includes group discussions, role‑plays, and listening tasks to help learners understand key points and respond clearly.