For the 2026-27 academic year, Cumbria Adult Learning is offering a wide range of courses designed to help learners gain qualifications, enhance their employment skills, explore new hobbies and interests, and improve their health and wellbeing.
With a full curriculum of courses live on the Cumbria Adult Learning website, the service has a wide range of courses which can help learners improve their skills and confidence, enhance their CV and meet new people in the Cumberland and Westmorland and Furness Council areas. With qualification courses for English, Maths, ESOL (English for speakers of other languages) Digital Skills, Employability, Health and Wellbeing and Greener Curriculum starting at Entry Level to Level 1 and 2, learners do not need to have any previous qualifications to start. Our Arts and Crafts, Languages, Health and Wellbeing and non-qualification courses provide a friendly and supportive way to build skills, boost confidence, and enjoy new experiences in your local community.
Brochures will be available from the six main Cumbria Adult Learning centres (Carlisle, Workington, Whitehaven, Barrow, Kendal and Penrith), in major libraries and from key partner organisations - as well as in digital form online.
For Cumbrian employers, Cumbria Adult Learning has an exciting new skills programme providing training to employed staff and for those looking for employment throughout the county. “Skills Bridge” is a package of free, bespoke, training for businesses, supporting workforce excellence. More information can be found on the website.
Cumbria Adult Learning is rated ‘Good’ overall by Ofsted with two areas graded as ‘Outstanding’ including in the personal development achieved by learners. This external recognition reflects the quality of teaching, learner support and outcomes that Cumbria Adult Learning continues to deliver. With this Ofsted rating of ‘Good’, 98% of learners satisfied and 97% saying the courses met their expectations, there’s never a better time to take your next step into learning. Learners will be supported throughout the course with help and guidance from the service’s expert staff. This view by one recent learner is typical: “My tutor was a really great teacher. I felt fully supported throughout the course. Thank you.”
All our skills courses are entirely free and other courses may be subsidised (subject to terms and conditions) so are offered at lower or no cost to learners. If you are interested or know someone that would be interested, visit the Adult Learning website for more information and to find your local Cumbria Adult Learning centre.
Councillor Janet Battye, Westmorland and Furness Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, Education and Skills, said: “The coming academic year’s programme of courses for Cumbria will really help people to grow their skills. Every year, over 6000 learners choose to learn with us. They tell us how our courses have helped them to develop new skills, explore new hobbies, gain qualifications, advance their career, find a new job, build their confidence, and support their wellbeing.”
Emma Hamer, Cumberland Council’s Assistant Director for Education, SEND and Inclusion, added: “There really is something for everyone with Cumbria Adult Learning, with hundreds of classes led by experienced tutors who provide support throughout every learner’s journey, by guiding their learners, setting goals and celebrating progress. If you’ve been thinking about learning something new, get in touch and see where these courses could take you!"
Cumbria Adult Learning is a hosted service provided by Westmorland and Furness Council for the whole of Cumbria.