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This information applies to England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland
Where to find information about local adult education
Information about local adult education is available from:-
- colleges
- libraries
- the local education authority (LEA) (the Education and Library Board (ELB) in Northern Ireland).
This information lists organisations which give advice and information about, or run, adult education courses. Many produce information leaflets or guides to courses which can be bought from the organisation if they are not available in a local library.
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General UK organisations
The Basic Skills Agency
Commonwealth House
1-19 New Oxford Street
London WC1A 1NU
Tel: 020 7405 4017
Fax: 020 7440 6626
Email: enquiries@basic-skills.co.uk
The Basic Skills Agency will answer enquiries about basic education (reading, writing, numeracy) where the local education authority or library are unable to provide it. They produce a range of publications and leaflets, including general leaflets on adult literacy and numeracy, which are free for a single copy.
Learndirect
England and Wales
Learndirect
PO Box 900
Manchester M60 3LE
Learndirect helpline: 0800 101 901
Email: enquiries@learndirect.net
Website: www.learndirect.co.uk
Scotland
Learndirect Scotland Freephone Helpline: 0808 100 9000
Website: www.learndirectscotland.com
Learndirect Scotland
Freepost SCO5775
PO Box 25249
Glasgow G3 8XN
Learndirect is a government scheme to encourage people to learn new skills and improve existing skills. It has centres throughout the UK, in for example, sports clubs, community centres and libraries. People can register for courses and be given training. Learndirect offers courses in basic computer skills and numeracy and literacy. The website contains details of many other courses, which are not administered through Learndirect. It also has details of all the learndirect centres in the UK. People who have difficulty with mobility can register with Learndirect through the website. Courses are available full or part time, both to those working and to those studying full time.
The Open University
England
Central Enquiry Service
PO Box 200
Milton Keynes MK 6YZ
E-mail: general_enquiries@open.ac.uk
Website: www.open.ac.uk
Wales
24 Cathedral Road
Cardiff CF11 9SA
Tel: 029 2039 7911
Fax: 029 2027 7930
E-mail: wales@open.ac.uk
Scotland
10 Drumsheugh Gardens
Edinburgh EH3 7QJ
Tel: 0131 226 3851
Fax: 0131 220 6730
E-mail: scotland@open.ac.uk
Northern Ireland
40 University Road
Belfast BT7 1SU
Tel: 028 9024 5025
Fax: 028 9023 0565
E-mail: ireland@open.ac.uk
The Open University was created to meet the needs of part-time students who wish to take a course leading to a qualification such as a diploma or degree. Students study at home and are provided by the University with study materials.
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Distance learning and home study courses
Open and Distance Learning Quality Council
ODL QC
16 Park Crescent
London W1B 1AH
Tel: 020 7612 7090
Fax: 020 7612 7092
Email: info@odlgc.org.uk
Website: www.odlqc.org.uk
The Open and Distance Learning Quality Council (ODLQC) sets standards for distance learning and home study courses. Providers of these courses can register with the ODLQC if they meet the ODLQC's standards. The ODLQC regularly monitors providers of these courses to make sure they are providing a good service. They can give you a list and details of the colleges that they have assessed.
Association of British Correspondence Colleges
6 Francis Grove
London SW19 4DT
Tel: 020 8544 9559
Fax: 020 8540 7657
E-mail: info@homestudy.org.uk
Website: www.homestudy.org.uk
The Association of British Correspondence Colleges is a voluntary association of correspondence colleges which comply with a code of ethics guaranteeing certain standards of service in their dealings with students. If you are interested in joining a correspondence course it can advise you on which would be the most suitable.
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Organisations for disabled students
National Bureau for Students with Disabilities (SKILL)
SKILL gives information and advice to disabled students and those with learning difficulties who are over the age of 16.
England
SKILL
4th Floor
Chapter House
18-20 Crucifix Lane
London SE1 3JW
Tel: 020 7450 0620
Fax: 020 7450 0650
Info service: 0800 328 5050 (1.30-4.30pm)
Minicom: 0800 068 2422
Email: info@skill.org.uk
Website: www.skill.org.uk
Wales
Skill Wales
Suite 14, 2nd Floor
The Executive Centre
Temple Court
Cathedral Road
Cardiff
CF11 9HA
Tel: 02920 786506
Email: paul@skillwales.org.uk
Scotland
SKILL in Scotland
Norton Park
57 Albion Road
Edinburgh EH7 5QY
Tel: 0131 475 2348
Email: admin@skillscotland.org.uk
Website: www.skill.org.uk/scotland
Northern Ireland
SKILL in Northern Ireland
Unit 2
Jerrymount Court
North Derby Street
Belfast BT15 3HN
Tel: 028 9028 7000
Fax: 028 9028 7002
Email: admin@skillni.org.uk
Website: www.skill.org.uk/ni
Lead Scotland - Linking education and disability
Lead Scotland gives information and advice on educational opportunities for disabled people in Scotland. An organiser can visit you at home to draw up an action list plan and provide follow up support through the learning period.
Lead Scotland
Queen Margaret University College
Clerwood Terrace
Edinburgh
EH12 8TS
Tel: 0131 317 3939
Fax: 0131 339 7198
Freephone: 0800 100 900 (ask for ‘Lead Scotland’)
Email: enquiries@lead.org.uk
Website: www.lead.org.uk
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Organisations for employees and trade union members
Workers’ Educational Association (WEA)
England
Quick House
65 Clifton Street
London EC2A 5JE
Tel: 020 7375 3092
Fax: 020 7375 3156
Email: info@wea.org.uk
Website: www.wea.org.uk
Scotland
Riddles Court
322 Lawnmarket
Edinburgh EH 2PG
Tel: 0131 226 3456
Fax: 0131 220 0306
Email: hq@weascotland.org.uk
Wales
Coleg Harlech WEA
Harlech
Gwynedd LL46 2PU
Tel: 01766 781900
Email: info@fc.harlech.ac.uk
Website: www.harlech.ac.uk
Northern Ireland
1-3 Fitzwilliam Street
Belfast BT9 6AW
Tel: 028 9032 9718
Fax: 028 9023 0306
Email: info@wea-ni.com
The Workers’ Education Association has local branches which run day, evening and residential courses and summer schools. Details of the local branches are available from the address above. The newspaper ‘WEA NEWS’, which is available from the London Office, is useful for general information.
TUC Education Service
TUC
Congress House
Great Russell Street
London
WC1B 3LS
Tel: 020 7636 4030
Fax: 020 7636 0632
Website: www.tuc.org.uk
Wales TUC Cymru
Transport House
1 Cathedral Road
Cardiff CF1 9SD
Telephone 029 2034 7010
Fax: 029 2022 1940
Email: wtuc@tuc.org.uk
Website: www.tuc.org.uk
The Trades Union Congress (TUC) Education Service runs courses for shop stewards, union officers and health and safety representatives. If you are a member of a trade union contact your own union initially to find out what courses it offers.
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