General Information

Help choosing a course: If you need advice, ring our local office where staff can help you choose the right course. You can also speak to your tutor at the first class.

Help with extra learning needs: If you have a disability or extra learning needs, we will try to help. It’s best to ask as soon as you can so that we can make plans before you start a course.

Help to plan your next step: If you need advice, talk to your tutor about further opportunities. For more information on learning, ask us for our Services for Learners leaflet. You can also ring the Careers Advice Service on 0800 10 900 for advice on learning opportunities.

Help with fees: If you are on a means-tested benefit, courses are free. You can also claim for help with essential books and equipment, field trips, travel and childcare from our Learner Support Fund. If you are not on benefit but have a gross household income of under £15,276 a year you may also qualify for help. Help is limited to three courses a year. See our Fee Information page for more detail.

Evidence of benefit status: Please take evidence of your benefit status to your first session if you claim fee concession.

Access: Not all classes are wheelchair accessible. For details on access ask your branch contact or call the WEA office.

Field trips: Some courses will have trips as part of the course, which may incur extra costs. Depending on length, the visits will count as one or two class meetings. We regret that if you don’t go on these visits you cannot reclaim the tutorial cost.

Refunds: If you withdraw from a course before the third meeting you may apply for a refund less a charge for administration. If we cancel the course you will receive a full refund.

Young people: We are funded to provide education for people of 19 or over only.

Photocopying: Tutors may make a small charge for students’ photocopies.

Cancelling a class: We reserve the right to cancel a class with low enrolments.

If things need to be put right: If you feel there is a problem, please talk to us first so that we have a chance to put things right. Contact our local office. If you are still not satisfied, please ask WEA office staff for a copy of our Complaints Procedure.

About the WEA

Educational charity: The WEA is one of the UK’s biggest charities, whose purpose is to interest people in their own education throughout their lives. It is committed to equality of opportunity and inclusive learning.

Local WEA branches: There are WEA branches throughout the East Midlands. As a WEA student you can become a member of the WEA and help to organise a branch programme, along with other events which give the WEA its unique flavour.

A wide range of cultural studies: The WEA offers courses of general interest that are open to all adults. You don’t need any qualification to join most of our courses – just an interest and willingness to learn.

Classes for priority learners: We run classes for people living in disadvantaged communities. The courses are geared to their needs and interests and often run in partnership with local community organisations. We also put on classes for lower-paid workers in the public sector.

Skills for life: We offer help with English, Maths or study skills for WEA learners on any course. Ask your tutor or ring our office.