Surrey Adult Learning (SAL) offers thousands of courses both online and at our seven centres in: Guildford, Woking, Camberley, Molesey, Esher, Farnham, and Sunbury. We inspire people to achieve their potential and meet the needs of learners in and around Surrey.
Our tutors are highly skilled, qualified and passionate about the subjects they teach. They create a supportive classroom environment to enable you to develop your skills, knowledge and confidence.
Starting from September, our arts and crafts courses are changing. All our usual subjects will still be available, however we will be moving to a new staged curriculum.
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Why are we changing?
In August 2024, the government introduced new funding rules for adult education. This is the second year of our two-year transition plan.
In the first year, short courses, workshops and higher level courses were not subsidised by central government funding.
Now we are in the second year of the transition plan, we are moving to a staged curriculum for arts and craft courses. The new staged courses mean that students can demonstrate new skills in each course and continue developing.
To meet these requirements and work towards a positive Ofsted rating at our next inspection, our termly courses have been updated and the content organised into Stages. We will continue to run workshops for beginners and to extend skills at different levels.
Current Learners
Your current course tutor will discuss the right stage course for you to enrol on for autumn term before courses open for enrolments on Wednesday 2 July 2025. Your tutor will make a note on your Individual Learning Plan.
We are working towards changing our enrolment process so you can move from one term to the next within an academic year without the current ‘enrolment day anxiety’ many learners tell us about.
Francis Lawlor, Principal and Head of Adult Skills states ‘Arts and Crafts courses offer enhanced wellbeing and mental health benefits for Surrey residents. We are proud of the work our learners achieve and delighted we can continue providing a broad and rich range of arts and craft subjects.’
These changes, together with the changes already made in our other subject areas, mean SAL will be in a stronger position at our next Ofsted inspection. It will show that we have aligned what we offer with local and national priorities and funding requirements, and we can keep offering a wide variety of arts and crafts courses.
If you have any questions regarding your progression please contact our Customer Service Team.
Frequently asked questions
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- Why are the courses changing?
- What are the new course stages?
- How will I progress from one term to the next?
- How will I pay for these courses?
- Why is there a difference in course fees?
- Where can I find information about course fees and discounts?
- Can I repeat a course at the same stage?
- What if the course I want is not at my usual centre or time?
- How will I know which stage to enrol in?
- When can I enrol?
- Where can I get help choosing a course?
- What if I cannot enrol on the next stage?
- What is the quickest and easiest way to enrol?
- What happens if I accidentally enrol on the same course again?
- I feel like I have reached the highest level, what now?
Why are the courses changing?
In August 2024, the Department for Education introduced new funding rules for adult education. These changes mean we must ensure that learners are progressing and that our courses support our learners’ goals, focusing on employment, further learning, wellbeing, parenting, and community development.
We have taken time to carefully redesign our Arts and Crafts curriculum to meet these requirements, while continuing to offer a rich and rewarding learning experience that benefits a wide a range of our learners.
What are the new course stages?
From September 2025, our longer courses will be structured into four stages:
- Stage 1 is for beginners
- Stage 2 is for progression
- Stage 3 is for further progression
- Stage 4 is for experienced learners
Stages 1 to 3 will each last a year and be made up of three terms. This new structure helps you build your skills step by step, with clear progression routes in each stage.
How will I progress from one term to the next?
When you enrol on a course your place is secured for the subsequent term within the academic year.
How will I pay for these courses?
Payment will be on a term by term basis.
Why is there a difference in course fees?
Stages 1 to 3 are drawing on funding from the Department for Education. Stage 4 and Workshops do not, but we will offer discounts to help with costs where it is possible.
Where can I find information about course fees and discounts?
You can find full details about costs and available discounts on our fees and discounts webpages.
Can I repeat a course at the same stage?
Our courses are planned to support learners to progress. Once a stage has been completed, you move forward in your learning journey.
What if the course I want is not at my usual centre or time?
We have worked hard to minimise disruption, but you may need to attend a course at a different time or centre. We will support you as best as we can in finding the best option to continue your learning from our wide range of available courses.
How will I know which stage to enrol in?
Your tutor will talk with you and agree the right stage with you. This will be recorded in your Individual Learning Plan (ILP), and our staff will also have access to this information to support you.
When can I enrol?
Please see below for a list of dates for the next term.
- Course guides are now available in centres.
- From 23 June 2025 our courses are viewable online.
- From 2 July 2025, 9am, our enrolment opens.
Where can I get help choosing a course?
- For existing learners, speak with your tutor.
- Contact our friendly Customer Service Team.
What if I cannot enrol on the next stage?
We understand this can be frustrating. Our aim is to support every learner to progress. If you are unsure about your next step, please speak with your tutor or our Customer Service Team and we will help you explore your options.
What is the quickest and easiest way to enrol?
The fastest way is to enrol online. If you need help logging in or resetting your password, our Customer Service Team is here to help, either in person at your local centre, by phone, or online. We can even enrol you over the phone if needed.
What happens if I accidentally enrol on the same course again?
We will be monitoring enrolments to ensure learners are progressing. If you are unsure, please speak with us before enrolling, we are happy to help you find the right course.
I feel like I have reached the highest level, what now?
That is a great achievement! If you have completed Stage 3 or 4, we encourage you to:
- Continue to study at Stage 4.
- Explore our workshops to refine your skills.
- Try a new subject to broaden your learning.
- Speak with us about other opportunities, we are here to help you keep growing.
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