Department for Education visit showcases the impact of Adult Education in London at WM College

WM College recently welcomed Louise Wright from the Department for Education on a visit to explore the opportunities, challenges and transformational impact of adult education in London.

The visit highlighted the vital role adult education colleges play in supporting lifelong learning, community wellbeing, skills development and access to education for adults from all backgrounds. During the visit, Louise met with staff and learners across the college and experienced first-hand the breadth of courses and support available through adult learning at WM College.

Adult learners share their stories

A central part of the visit focused on hearing directly from adult learners about their experiences of returning to education and the impact learning has had on their lives.

Learners shared a wide range of personal journeys and ambitions, including improving English language skills through ESOL courses, building confidence in Maths and English, progressing towards employment opportunities, preparing for university and developing creative skills through arts education.

The conversations reflected the diversity of adult education in London and demonstrated how lifelong learning can support confidence, career progression, wellbeing and social connection at every stage of life.

ESOL, Maths, English and creative arts at WM College

Throughout the visit, Louise observed classes and learner work from across the college, including Maths and English lessons, ESOL provision and creative arts courses such as pottery and ceramics.

The visit showcased the unique learning environment at WM College, where adult learners are supported in developing practical skills, gaining qualifications, discovering creativity, and achieving personal goals within a welcoming and inclusive community setting.

Speaking after the visit, Louise said:

“It was a pleasure to spend time with you discussing the opportunities and challenges in adult education. I particularly valued and enjoyed the opportunity to meet your students.

I found it very interesting and inspiring to hear about the different reasons students had for entering adult education and what they had already achieved and wanted to achieve in the future.

From the studied concentration of your maths and English classes, to the inspiring stories shared by your ESOL students and the amazing creations of your pottery and ceramics classes, it was a fantastic opportunity for me to appreciate and understand more about adult education and what it offers, which I can share with others as I do my job.”

The importance of adult education and lifelong learning in London

Adult education continues to play a critical role in supporting London communities, helping adults gain new qualifications, improve employability, strengthen language and digital skills, and reconnect with learning later in life.

At WM College, lifelong learning is about far more than qualifications alone. Adult education creates opportunities for learners to build confidence, improve wellbeing, meet new people and take meaningful next steps in their personal and professional lives.

From accredited qualifications and ESOL programmes to creative arts courses and community learning opportunities, WM College supports thousands of adult learners each year across a broad range of subjects and progression pathways.

Supporting adult education across London

We would like to thank Louise Wright for taking the time to visit WM College and for recognising the important contribution adult education makes to learners, families and communities across London and the UK.

To learn more about adult education courses, ESOL classes, creative arts programmes and lifelong learning opportunities at WM College, explore our latest courses and community learning opportunities online.

Or, support our cause of bring life long-learning and support to those who need it most and donate as little or as much as you can to our charity.