Adult Education
Last updated on: 22 February 2024
Adult education is learning and training for people who are aged 19 years old and above. It is open to adults at any stage of their life.
Adult education can take place in different locations. This includes Further Education colleges, local authority adult education departments, independent training providers, institutes for adult learning, sixth form colleges and universities. Some adult education also takes place in local community venues such as community centres, places of worship and children’s centres.
Most adult education in London is funded by the Mayor of London through the Adult Education Budget.
Almost everyone can access adult education. Depending on your circumstances, you may be able to join a course immediately, or may have to wait to join.
If there is a ‘no study’ or 'employment prohibited' condition on your Home Office documentation, you may not be able to access some types of adult education courses until the restriction is lifted. More information on the ‘no study’ and 'employment prohibited' condition is available on this Children’s Legal Centre guidance.
You may pay no fees, low fees or international/overseas fees depending on your circumstances. It is always best to talk to an adult education provider to find out what your options are.
You can find the closest adult education provider using this map: Find an adult education provider near me.
Adult education is available for many different subjects. This could include English language (ESOL), English (literacy), Information Communication Technology (ICT) and maths courses, alongside a wide range of other courses such as flower arrangement, motor vehicle maintenance, plumbing and beauty courses.
Qualifications range from Entry Level to Level 3. Some courses will have examinations, others will not. Some courses will offer childcare while you learn, or ESOL online. Others will offer classes in the evenings, weekends or inside school hours, so you can learn even if you have a job or need to collect children from school.
Learning English can help you to make friends, get a job, get a better job, help your child with homework, talk to your doctor, child's teachers and neighbours, prepare for further or higher education and qualifications, and lots more.
In the UK, English classes for adults are called 'ESOL classes'. ESOL stands for English for Speakers of Other Languages. There are lots of different types of English classes in London, from beginner level to advanced.
You can use the interactive maps on our 'Find ESOL classes in London' page to locate your nearest adult education providers and find out more about the courses they deliver. Most adult education providers in London offer English (ESOL) courses. If they are not able to offer you an ESOL course, they can normally sign-post you to another organisation which can.
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