Founded in 1903, the WEA is a charity and the UK’s largest voluntary sector provider of adult education.
With the support of nearly 2,000 volunteers, 2,000 tutors and over 5,200 members, we deliver friendly, student-centred and tutor-led education for adults from all walks of life.
We bring education into the heart of communities, helping people learn whatever they want – from maths, English and skills for employment, through health and wellbeing courses, to cultural studies that help students broaden their horizons and community engagement programmes that encourage active citizenship.
The WEA provides courses across four curriculum themes:
• Employability: to develop confidence, understanding and skills to help adults, at all stages of their lives, participate more fully in the world of work
• Health & Wellbeing: to combat health inequalities and promote a social and preventative model of health and well-being
• Community Engagement: to combat social exclusion and promote active citizenship
• Cultural Studies: to broaden horizons through understanding cultures, identities and environments embodying our commitment to social purpose
The WEA’s mission is to create “a better world, equal, democratic and just; through adult education the WEA challenges and inspires individuals, communities and society.”