Frequently asked questions about adult learning

Page contents

When is the next course directory available and where can I get it from?

We do not currently have printed publications for our universal course offerings, however all available courses can be viewed via the search functions on the website.

For our Supported Learning provision, a course directory can be picked up from one of our centres.

When can I enrol for my course?

Enrolments are available on a term-by-term basis.

Go live dates are available on our term dates webpage, and will also be promoted in centre, via marketing emails and on our social media channels. If you would like to receive our emails please sign up to our mailing list.

I'm having issues completing my enrolment online, how do I do this?

If you are having issues completing your online enrolment, please contact us so that we can take payment and finalise your enrolment.

I've been doing this course for years, why do I not get priority?

Enrolments are taken on a first come, first served basis and we do not offer priority enrolments. This ensures that everyone has fair access to our service.

Do you offer courses that lead to a qualification?

We currently offer qualification courses in English and maths up to GCSE level, English for speakers of other languages (ESOL) and Essential Digital Skills.

Why am I unable to join some courses once the term has started?

With permission from the tutor, it may be possible to join a course after the start date, depending on the course. We are unable to accept late enrolments where the tutor needs to follow a course structure and teaching plan to ensure the whole course is covered in the allocated sessions. Our Adult Skills courses award a qualification at the end of the course and late enrolments are not possible after completion of our IAG sessions.

Where is my refund for my cancelled course?

We aim to get refunds processed as quickly as possible and to have the money back into the account from which you originally paid within 7 working days. If you believe that you have an outstanding refund at this point, please contact us using our online enquiries form.

Why can't I be issued with credit or transfer my course fees to the next academic year?

We are unable to transfer course fees and credit between academic years. This ensures that our system is up to date and sets the new academic year off on a level playing field.

I'm having issues with the website, how do I feed this back?

If you are having any issues or have a suggestion, please contact us via our online enquiries form.

How do I reset my password for online enrolment?

If you are having issues resetting your password for online enrolment, please contact us via our online enquiries form, We will then request for this for you and send it over as soon as possible.

How do I find out who the tutor is that is scheduled to teach my course?

On most of our courses, the scheduled tutor taking a course is listed alongside the rest of the course details. In some cases, the tutor asks us not to display their name on the website. If you are unsure who the tutor is and would like to find out, please contact us via our online enquiries form.

Why do the course fees appear the same for online and face-to-face courses?

Our course fees are based on the total amount of guided learning hours for a course, with our online provision of courses charged at a lower price than the face-to-face equivalent. Some online courses may not appear cheaper, but this could be due to longer session times or overall course length.

When will my course return to face-to-face at a centre?

Our online courses continue to be popular, and the service will continue to offer a mix of online and face to face courses as part of its provision.

Who will contact me with my course joining information?

Our Customer Service Team will email you no less than two working days prior to the course start date. If you believe that you have still not received the joining instructions email at this point, please contact us using our online enquiries form.

Do I need to prepare anything before my course?

Please check you have read the course details on our website, so you know what the course will cover and if you need any equipment.

If you enrol on a Healthy Living course (exercise or cookery), you will be asked to fill out an initial assessment form. This is an important document as it will help the tutor plan the course and will consider any illnesses or injuries that they need to be aware of.

If you are required to purchase ingredients or materials (for cookery or craft courses), the relevant administration centre will email these out to you about a week prior to the start date. Where this is applicable for the course it will be mentioned in the course details on the website.

I can't login or access my online course, who can I go to for help?

Double check your link is correct and that you are using the right login and password which has been sent to you.

We do advise before your course starts, it's a good idea to do a test run and to also take a look at our guide to online adult learning webpage.

If you are still having technical issues, please contact us.

I don't have a suitable device for an online course, what can I do?

If you would like to enrol on one of our online courses but you don't have a suitable device, you may be eligible to apply for a gifted, loaned or subsidised device through one of the organisations listed on our guide to online adult learning webpage.

I have enrolled onto a course, but now I can't attend, what should I do?

If you are unable to attend any of your sessions, please contact us so we can inform your tutor of your absence.