Celebrating the launch of our new Impact Report

But right now, public funding for lifelong learning is under enormous pressure, with a strict focus on skills for jobs.

While finding work is incredibly important, WEA CEO, Simon Parkinson, reminds us that the journey through learning is not always a straight line:

Public funding is being increasingly squeezed. It sidelines learning that builds confidence, improves health and wellbeing, strengthens community connections... Lifelong learning has intrinsic value. It shapes people, places, and societies, not just CVs.

Simon Parkinson, WEA CEO

As an education charity, we are proud to be a crucial stepping stone to support those furthest from the job market with skills, not just for work, but to help them lead full and vibrant lives.

Providing real impact

Statistics from our latest Impact Report show the value of community-based learning in reaching those with no or low qualifications who need it most.

48% of our learners live in the most disadvantaged postcode areas in England, where access to education is often hardest to find.
45% of people who started a course with us had no formal qualifications at all, meaning we helped them take that crucial first step in their educational journey.
54% of our learners receive Universal Credit or similar benefits. We were able to help hundreds with extra financial support for travel, childcare, and digital devices to make sure they did not miss out.
21% took an ESOL course (English for Speakers of Other Languages), making it our most popular subject as we welcome and support new communities.

Over 18% of our learners joined our Arts and Crafts courses, and 15% explored Languages and Culture, proving that curiosity and creativity are just as important for our wellbeing as traditional work skills.

Learning on your doorstep

Nearly 70% of our learning took place right in the heart of local areas, using 581 community venues including our WEA community learning hubs, libraries, schools, and community centres.

We are also incredibly proud to be recognised by Ofsted s as a ‘Good’ provider, with ‘Outstanding’ marks for our personal development and the behaviour and attitudes of our learners. You can read our Ofsted report here.

This report isn't just a look back at a fantastic year; it's a tool for us to keep fighting for the future of lifelong learning. Alongside our Lifelong Learning Labs campaign, we will continue to use these findings to make our case to the government about why lifelong learning needs to be a priority, not an afterthought.

A massive thank you to our 750 volunteers, 6,226 members, and every single learner who makes the WEA such a vibrant movement.

You can download and read the complete report below. Let's keep bringing learning within reach, together!