A message from Sarah Rice, our Head of Curriculum, Quality & Business
Welcome to Skills & Learning Adult Community Education – the local authority adult learning service for Bournemouth, Christchurch, Poole and Dorset.
I am Sarah Rice, Head of Curriculum, Quality and Business and it is my privilege to oversee a diverse range of programmes designed to unlock your potential and support your personal and professional growth.
Everyone who enrols on an adult learning course has a different motivation and a different starting point. Whether you are looking to develop new skills for life or work, improve your confidence, get support to advance your career, better help your children or community or do something different with your time, our dedicated, experienced and well qualified teaching and support staff are here to guide and support you every step of the way.
Our friendly and approachable Learner Experience team are available to help you find the right learning option and take your next steps. We believe in creating a nurturing, inspiring and inclusive environment where every learner feels valued and empowered.
A message from Sarah Rice, our Head of Curriculum, Quality & Business
Welcome to Skills & Learning Adult Community Education – the local authority adult learning service for Bournemouth, Christchurch, Poole and Dorset.
I am Sarah Rice, Head of Curriculum, Quality and Business and it is my privilege to oversee a diverse range of programmes designed to unlock your potential and support your personal and professional growth.
Everyone who enrols on an adult learning course has a different motivation and a different starting point. Whether you are looking to develop new skills for life or work, improve your confidence, get support to advance your career, better help your children or community or do something different with your time, our dedicated, experienced and well qualified teaching and support staff are here to guide and support you every step of the way.
Our friendly and approachable Learner Experience team are available to help you find the right learning option and take your next steps. We believe in creating a nurturing, inspiring and inclusive environment where every learner feels valued and empowered.
Our courses include online and flexible learning options as well as in-person courses at various community-based centres across the county. From vocational training to creative arts, language classes to digital skills, we respond to the needs of local communities and employers.
As you begin or rejoin your learning journey, I encourage you to take full advantage of the resources, guidance and opportunities available to you. Engage with our staff, connect with fellow learners, and immerse yourself in the enriching experiences that await you.
Your success is our success. Along with our community of learners, let’s make this journey together a rewarding and transformative experience.
Meet the team behind Skills & Learning
We have over 50 core staff who work with our tutors to deliver our adult education services.
Learning 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.
“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
