Support for UkraineLearning with us will enable you to learn something new, improve your confidence and better your future.
As Dorset and BCP Council’s joint adult education service, we aim to make adult education accessible and successful for everyone.
Our Learner Handbook
Read our learner handbook today to see what it’s like to enrol on a course with us.
No hidden course fees
We pride ourselves on making education accessible for all, and do not have any hidden fees within our courses. We also offer financial support and concessionary rates.
Support throughout your course
Your dedicated tutors and Learning Support Officers will ensure you feel comfortable and supported throughout your time with us.
Not for profit, for the community
We are Dorset and BCP Council’s joint adult education provider. We do not exist to make a profit but to support adults across Dorset gain confidence, skills and qualifications.
Sustainable
We pride ourselves on being a sustainable organisation and doing all we can to minimize our environmental impact.
Fully qualified & experienced tutors
All our tutors are fully qualified and have an average of 21 years experience within their fields to ensure you receive a high quality learning experience.
Small classes
We pride ourselves on offering smaller classes than other organisations to create a welcoming, safe and supportive environment for your learning.
A message from Lesley Spain, our Principal Learning Manager
Skills & Learning is one of the top performing adult education providers in the country with some of the highest learner satisfaction rates in Dorset. We are proud of our national reputation for success and you will find us a welcoming, respectful and friendly place to learn.
Learning here is rewarding and enjoyable and whatever your starting points you will have the excellent support of our very committed, well qualified teaching and support team. We encourage all our learners to be ambitious and believe they can succeed by developing confidence, skills and improving well-being.
A message from Lesley Spain, our Principal Learning Manager
Skills & Learning is one of the top performing adult education providers in the country with some of the highest learner satisfaction rates in Dorset. We are proud of our national reputation for success and you will find us a welcoming, respectful and friendly place to learn.
Learning here is rewarding and enjoyable and whatever your starting points you will have the excellent support of our very committed, well qualified teaching and support team. We encourage all our learners to be ambitious and believe they can succeed by developing confidence, skills and improving well-being.
Our programme is full of exciting new courses including a daytime, evening and weekend programme and our course offer is continually updated online to meet requests from individuals, communities and employers. Throughout the year we run additional Information Sessions, workshops and taster events so keep an eye on our website for more opportunities.
We have courses for those who want to feel more comfortable in the digital world and those who are looking to improve their skills for work. Our dedicated tutors can share their years of expertise and experience with you, inspiring you to take your skills to the next level.
Joining in with others on our courses provides valuable support, and aids both your personal and professional development. Learning new skills and developing hobbies can be fun and gives you confidence if you want to find a job or progress in your career. You can use your new found skills to give to others, share your knowledge, help others or volunteer your time.
“Education is so important and as you get older is essential to learning something new and making new friends. Please never stop the classes.”
“Providing opportunities for learning that can also aid improving work/life balance and social interaction is important. Your providing such opportunities is much appreciated and valued. Thank you for what you do.”
Our Vision:
Strong, skilled and prosperous communities.
Our Mission:
Improving skills and wellbeing for you, your community, your business. Skills & Learning contributes to the two Councils’ agendas by improving the life chances for young people and adults in Dorset. Qualifications and participation in learning helps people into work, to adapt to new labour markets and improves health and well-being. Increasing the skills and independence of local people is the best investment the service can make for individuals, communities and businesses.
Our Values:
- Outstanding in teaching and learning
- Inclusive and ethical
- Excellence in customer service
- Inspiring ambition, supporting progress
