Get confident with numbers

Whether it is finding the best energy prices or managing the weekly shop, we use numeracy skills every day. Many people think they are not good with numbers, but that simply isn’t true! It is often the way you were taught at school doesn’t always relate to everyday life or you just lack confidence. You might feel a little rusty, or just want to understand more about using maths in work and life. 

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Get money sorted

Our budgeting courses help you develop a healthy relationship with money. They can help get your money sorted and make sure you’re getting the best deals. Our courses can help you plan your money, stick to your budget and find better ways to make savings.  

Build your confidence with numbers

Discover new tools to manage your money and get confidence in your numeracy skills. Learn more about creating a budget and start to save money. It doesn’t matter how tangled your finances seem now, a budgeting course can help you take control and make the changes that matter to you.  

Beat maths anxiety

It isn’t just about being “good with numbers”, if the idea of doing maths makes you feel nervous then you are not alone.  Many adults suffer something called maths anxiety, which is a fear of maths that interferes with your ability to do maths. Doing a maths course for adults, with supportive tutors who understand maths anxiety, can help. Find your confidence to do those sums! 

Build your numeracy skills and get confident with all sorts of numbers. From making measurements for crafts to the numbers behind healthy eating. Build your number skills to help the kids with their maths homework.    

Ready for the next step? Looking for functional skills maths courses? Click here!

Confidence building courses for adults  

Being confident can improve your personal, and work life. Lots of things can happen to make you full of self-doubt. Doing a confidence-building course can help you realise what you can achieve.   

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A judgement-free space

You won’t be judged at the WEA. You’ll find supportive tutors and course mates who have been through similar things to you. You’ll find ways of becoming more assertive, and practice them in a safe space.   

You’ll find new ways to give yourself the compassion and understanding that you’ll give others. You’ll boost yourself esteem, and break the cycle of self-doubt. Sweep away negative thoughts and tackle life events with a new optimism. 

Take one step at a time

It won’t be all at once, and it won’t be overwhelming. Our class sizes are small, and your tutor can tailor classes to your personal style. You’ll grow in confidence at your own pace.  

Building your confidence, assertiveness and self-esteem gives you a boost. Learn to believe in yourself and meet new people who believe in you already. Learn your way, with the WEA.

Courses to improve communication skills  

Communication is essential to everyday life. It helps you builds relationships, and understand the world around you. We can communicate in many ways, from writing to speaking to using sign language. Improving your communication skills helps you connect with other people.  

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Find your voice

Find your voice with one of our adult education courses. From British Sign Languages courses to adult literacy classes - build your skills. Find fun and helpful courses to help reach your goals.  Learning with the WEA is not like school. It’s learning made for adults and you’ll be taught by supportive tutors. 

Boost your literacy

Boost your English skills, and get a better understanding of grammar. Learn the basics to move onto to a Functional English Skills course. Improve your spelling and gain confidence in reading, with an adult literacy course. Improving your reading and writing as an adult is not as hard as you might think.  

Hearing loss and signing

If you are losing your hearing or you know someone who is hearing impaired, you might need to find new ways to communicate. Develop lip-reading skills and find a supportive class to manage hearing loss. Find BSL signing courses for beginners. Learn to sign basic words then build your sign language skills to have conversations.  Whether you want to learn British Sign Language for yourself or so you can talk to others, take a course with us.  

Makaton signing is different to BSL. It is a way to communicate with people with speech difficulties or SEN. Over 100,000 children and adults use Makaton to communicate. It is very useful if you want to work with people with learning difficulties or you are a carer for a child with special needs. Our Makaton courses help reach people who need you most. If you want to learn Makaton signing, sign up for one of our courses today. 

Courses for self-development 

Find a new you. Explore your options. Set goals. Get ready to face the future. Our range of self-development courses can help bring out the best in you. Build your life skills and develop skills for independent living. 

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Gain life skills through adult education

Learn more about driving in the UK and take a course to help you pass your driving theory test. Find courses for all aspects of self-development. Discover ways to break bad habits and learn good habits. Find hands-on ways to become more organised. Find anger management courses to help you deal with emotions in a healthier way. 

A classroom where life experience counts just as much  

Discover supportive and friendly classes, where your life experience is valued. Our courses are for everyone, and you’ll learn in a way that works for you. 

Courses for parents, grandparents and carers  

Raising children is both rewarding and challenging, which is why we are here to help. Parenting courses help you understand your child’s needs better and build up your parenting skills.   

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Practical courses

Learn more about child psychology and how to support your child at school.  Get practical parenting tips and help your child manage their emotions. Help children and young people manage stress and anxiety.    

Our courses are non-judgmental and are just here to help you communicate better. Discover online parenting courses and WEA classes near you. 

Supporting children with special educational needs and disabilities

Find out more about specific learning disabilities. Understand more about autism and different ways to communicate with a child with autism. Learn more about sensory issues in young people with autism and the impact they can have. Share experiences with other parents and try hands-on activities to help your child. 

Discover ways to support children with ADHD, both at home and at school. Discover positive parenting techniques that help you feel more in control. Understand special educational needs and how to advocate for your child. Find out how to get an EHCP and where to go to get more help. 

Work-related courses  

Interested in working in schools or childcare? Check out our courses here.

Courses for wellbeing, physical and mental health 

We all could do with living a bit healthier.  Whether it is finding ways to become more active, to improving your mental health.  Our wellbeing courses can help you become happier and healthier. Mindfulness courses can help you manage your day-to-day wellbeing and meditation can help you find your inner calm.  Improve your mental and physical fitness through gentle exercise.

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Healthy body, healthy mind

Our courses can help you find ways to manage anxiety or be kinder to yourself. Learn how to deal with stress and difficult emotions, discover new techniques to find calmness. From trying out a yoga class to dealing with stress and anxiety, find a course for you. Our tutors are friendly and supportive, you’ll find fun new ways to improve your health. 

At a time when the world can feel a bit overwhelming, our courses can help you manage your worries and find a happier you.

Courses to build life skills

Learn life skills with the largest charitable provider of adult education in England and Scotland. Adult learning isn’t like school. Everyone belongs at the WEA. You’ll get meaningful, and tailored support, so you can reach your full potential. Our classes are friendly and fun, designed for adults like you. We won’t talk down to you and you’ll learn skills that you’ll use in everyday life.

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What are life skills?

Simply put, they are skills that make everyday life easier. Life skills include cooking, budgeting, communicating with others, health, well-being and managing emotions. Sometimes this means learning new things, and sometimes it means building on things you already know.

Sometimes adulting can be hard. These courses can help make it feel just that bit easier, make you feel more independent and empower you to face the future ahead.

Small steps to larger goals

You don’t have to have big goals in mind. Just take small steps towards boosting your skills and improving your wellbeing. Whether it is learning to budget better or cook healthier food. Building your confidence or gaining independence. There is a course for you.

When you study with us, you will:

• Build your confidence
• Learn new life skills
• Improve your everyday life and wellbeing

Take a look at our great range of courses and start making a positive change today.

Looking for some inspiration on your job hunt?

We offer a variety of courses to help you explore different sectors, gain vocational qualifications and get work skills. Discover a range of classes led by supportive and friendly tutor. Find skills courses delivered online or in a venue near you.

Courses to help you interpret for your community  

Put your language skills to use and discover how to become a community interpreter in your area. If you are wondering “what is a community interpreter?” or “what interpreting qualifications do I need? Then read on.   

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Community interpreting helps people - by translating when they cannot understand enough English to engage with public services. It can be a paid job or volunteer role, using bilingual language skills to help others. 

Giving others a voice  

You’ll give a voice to other people in your local area and help them access vital public services. You’ll make a difference to other people’s lives and help them when they need it the most. In addition, you’ll open up the opportunity for paid work. 

Language skills are important, but there is much more to it. It’s not just about being fluent in English and another language.  It is about understanding the public services involved and knowing how to deal with cultural sensitivities.  

Interpreting in your local community

To help you become a community interpreter, we offer a range of courses. From short introductions to the role to longer, community interpreting qualifications.  Our short, taster classes give you an insight into the work of an interpreter and what skills you will need to translate for others. 

Becoming a qualified interpreter

To become a qualified interpreter and start working in paid roles, you’ll need to work towards a level 3 certificate in community interpreting.  From the first steps, to your final qualification, the WEA will be with you every step of the way. 

How much will it cost to train? We offer free or part-funded courses to help you reach your goals. 

During the application process, we’ll ask you to complete a few simple tasks and talk about your experience, to ensure you start at the right place.

Courses to work in schools, education or childcare 

Our free courses * can help you get ahead if you’re looking to work in a school, college or childcare provider. From exploring different jobs working with children to getting the job you want, we’ve got you covered. We have government-funded online courses for teaching assistants and nursery courses.  

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Working with children and young people

Find out about the wide range of jobs available in schools and build the skills you need to kickstart your career. Working in schools can be very rewarding. From lunchtime supervisors to teaching assistants, you’ll have a positive impact on young people’s lives.  

From helping out in schools to paid work

These courses are useful if you are volunteering or plan to work in education, as they help you gain more knowledge. We do a range of courses from short tasters to a free Level two teaching assistant qualification. 

Start a career in childcare

Explore work in childcare and discover the range of roles you can do in a childcare setting. Learn about early years education and what it is like to work with children. Find courses near you or look at our range of online childcare courses.  

Give yourself a boost

Build skills for childcare and schools. Develop your knowledge of special education needs (SEN), so you can support children with autism in education. Give yourself a boost when looking for dinner lady jobs or other jobs in a school.  

Jobseekers, career changers, and those already working in schools or nurseries - find your course today to build your skills. 

*Over 90% of applicants for skills courses do not need to pay a fee. Subject to status - courses are free for unemployed people, job seekers and people on low wage. If you do not qualify you will be alerted during the application process.