WM College Connect: June 2026
29 June 2026
Dear learners
We’re excited to launch our new programme for the academic year 2026/27 ahead of our Open Day on Saturday 20 June.
As we prepare for the new academic year, we want to be transparent about changes to course fees. Funding for adult learning has remained static for many years and has declined over the last two years. To maintain the quality and range of our courses, the College has made the difficult decision to increase fees for next year.
We know this may be challenging for some learners, especially during ongoing financial pressures. A small bursary fund is available to support those facing hardship, and we hope to grow this through future fundraising and donations.
The activities in College continue even though we are winding down for the end of the academic year. Refugee Week was marked from 15–21 June 2026. On 17 June, we were proud to hold our first Diversity Day in many years, celebrating the theme of simple acts by sharing food, performances, stories and culture. Thank you to everyone who helped make the event such a success.
Alongside the Open Day on 20th June, the College also hosted a Makers Market and the Lowes Dickinson Awards, showcasing wonderful learner work from across 2025/26. Many of you will already have seen the inspiring work displayed around the College. These displays showcase the creativity, dedication and achievement of our learners across the 2025/26 academic year, and they are something we are immensely proud of.
Of course, the College offers so much more than arts and crafts. Over the coming year, we will be working to ensure that the achievements of all curriculum areas are better represented and more visibly celebrated throughout our buildings. As we launch our new brand and visual displays, you can expect to see exciting changes around the College that better reflect the full richness of what we do.
As the academic year draws to a close, I would like to wish all of our learners a very happy summer break.
If you are returning to us next year, we are delighted to welcome you back and look forward to continuing to support you on your learning journey. And if you are just joining us, we can’t wait to welcome you into our College community.
Thank you for being part of such a vibrant, creative and supportive college.
Key announcements
New vending facilities
To help support learners studying later in the day, a new hot drinks vending machine has been installed on Level 3 alongside the existing snack machine. The machine offers a selection of teas and quality bean-to-cup coffees.
We’re also pleased to announce that an updated range of snacks will be arriving shortly, providing even more convenient refreshment options throughout the day.
Security – outdoor seating and bike storage
To make the outdoor seating and bike storage area safer, we are installing a new card access system on the gates.
You will need to use your College ID card to open the gate by tapping it on the card reader. Your ID card is already set up, so you do not need to do anything. The gates will close automatically after you enter or leave. Please check that the gate has closed properly behind you.
Thank you for helping us keep this area safe and secure for everyone.
Building improvements over the summer break
During the summer break, some areas of the College will be improved and refurbished. This may mean that some lockers, especially those on Level 1, will need to be moved. If you use a locker, please take home any valuable or breakable items before the end of the term.
If you need to leave items at College over the summer, please speak to Learner Services. We can arrange safe storage for your belongings until you return next term.
Thank you for your cooperation.
Curriculum news
Course fee changes
If you are returning to us for the new academic year, we are delighted to welcome you back and look forward to continuing to support your learning journey. If you are joining us for the first time, a very warm welcome to our College community.
As we prepare for the 2026/2027 academic year, we want to be transparent about changes to our course fees.
Like many organisations across the education sector, WM College continues to face significant financial pressures. While the costs of delivering education continue to rise, including staffing, utilities, resources and other operational expenses, funding for adult education has not kept pace with these increasing demands. This has created ongoing challenges in ensuring that we can continue to offer the breadth and quality of provision our learners value.
As a result, the College has taken the difficult decision to increase course fees for the 2026/2027 academic year. This decision has not been made lightly. We understand that any increase in fees may have an impact on our learners, particularly during a time when many households continue to face financial pressures.
The revised fees form part of the College’s wider approach to maintaining a sustainable future while continuing to invest in the quality of teaching, learning and learner support. These changes will help ensure that we can continue to offer a broad curriculum and provide the best possible experience for our learners.
Our updated Fee Policy, including details of tuition fees and any concessions available, will be made available on our website in the coming weeks should you wish to read it in full.
We appreciate your understanding and continued support during this period of change. We remain committed to making adult learning accessible and to helping our learners achieve their personal, educational and professional goals.
Thank you for being part of the WM College community. We look forward to welcoming you in the new academic year.
Policies and reminders
ID cards from September 2026
If you will be returning in September, please keep your ID card. Your card will still be valid.
Learner spotlight
Meet David
This month, we are delighted to spotlight David, who has been studying Woodcarving at WM College for the past seven years.
David’s work showcases both creativity and craftsmanship. His projects usually begin with drawings to develop and refine ideas, often supported by small clay or plasticine models. For his latest piece, however, he chose to work directly from a drawing, taking a more experimental approach. The design was carefully transferred onto a block of beech wood and created through a series of layered cuts. This technique produced depth and perspective, resembling the contours of a topographical map. Using traditional woodcarving tools, David gradually revealed the birds within the wood, carefully shaping, refining and smoothing each layer by hand. The final stage involved applying a wax polish, enhancing the natural beauty and grain of the timber while bringing the finished piece to life.
David describes the project as a journey of patience, skill and experimentation. He particularly enjoyed exploring how carving in layers can create a sense of movement and space, resulting in a striking and dynamic piece of work.
Congratulations to David on his beautiful craftsmanship and continued dedication to developing his skills at WM College.
Staff spotlight
Meet Louise
For many years, Louise has been a valued member of WM College’s Jewellery Department, inspiring generations of students through her expertise, creativity, and dedication to teaching. Her impact can be seen in the achievements of her learners, many of whom have gone on to exhibit and sell their work, establish successful jewellery businesses, and receive industry recognition and awards.
A driving force within the department, Louise’s courses are consistently in high demand. With extensive experience teaching across London colleges and a specialist background in contemporary jewellery, Louise helps learners develop strong technical skills while encouraging them to find and express their own creative voice.
Louise is also playing a central role in the exciting redevelopment of jewellery provision at WM College. She is helping to shape a refreshed and ambitious curriculum. From 2026/27, learners will benefit from an exciting range of new courses designed to strengthen technical expertise and create pathways into employment, self-employment, and further opportunities within the jewellery industry.
Thank you, Louise, for your continued commitment, expertise, and leadership. WM College is fortunate to have you help shape the next exciting chapter of jewellery education.
Events, workshops and employability
Diabetes workshop – 1st July 2026, 3 pm in Maurice Hall
Join us for our Diabetes awareness workshop!
Whether you’re looking to learn about diabetes, understand the risk factors, or discover practical ways to live well, this workshop offers valuable information open to all staff, learners, and partners on site.
Wednesday, 1 July 2026
3:00 PM
Maurice Hall
In partnership with Camden Health Services and Diabetes UK, this interactive session will cover:
- Understanding diabetes
- Signs, symptoms, and risk factors
- Diagnosis and treatment
- Preventing complications
- Living well with diabetes
- Support and care available
Come along, ask questions, and take a positive step towards better health.
Support, wellness and adjustments
Discover the Euston Community Hub
Did you know that the Euston Community Hub is open to local residents and offers a range of free activities, support services and community programmes?
Located in the former Maria Fidelis School on North Gower Street, the Hub provides opportunities to access employment support, health and wellbeing advice, community activities, and information about developments in the Euston area.
Current activities and services include:
- Employment support, CV writing and interview preparation
- Health and wellbeing sessions
- Advice and support for older residents
- Family and community activities
- Women’s aerobics classes (pre-booking required)
- Age UK Camden advice sessions
- Cost of Living support appointments
The Hub is a welcoming space where local people can meet others, learn new skills and access support services. Since opening, it has welcomed thousands of community visits and continues to expand its programme of activities.
Stay safe this summer
As the summer holidays begin, we would like to remind all learners to take care and stay safe while enjoying the warmer weather.
If you are spending time outdoors, remember to stay hydrated, wear sunscreen, and seek shade during the hottest parts of the day. If you are travelling, keep your belongings secure and make sure family or friends know your plans.
Be cautious when using social media and avoid sharing personal information, travel details, or your location with people you do not know. Stay alert to scams, especially those involving holiday bookings, online shopping, or unexpected messages asking for money or personal details.
Summer can also be a good time to focus on your wellbeing. Stay connected with friends, family, and your local community, and don’t hesitate to seek support if you need it.
Beat the heat: tips on staying safe during hot weather from Camden Council Health and Wellbeing Department
Key tips on how to stay safe during hot weather:
- Stay hydrated: drink plenty of fluids and limit your alcohol intake.
- Keep cool: close windows and curtains in rooms that face the sun and make use of fans and cooler spaces.
- Take care when travelling: keep a bottle of water with you and allow extra time for journeys, particularly if travelling on public transport.
- Look after yourself and others: check on family, friends and neighbours who may be at higher risk of becoming unwell, and if you are at higher risk, ask them to do the same for you. Be aware of the signs of heat exhaustion and heatstroke and what to do if you or someone else has them.
- Try to avoid direct sunlight when UV levels are highest: usually between 11 am and 3 pm. If you are going out during this time, cover up with suitable clothing, wear a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses, seek shade, apply sunscreen liberally and reapply frequently.
- Cool spaces are available across the borough. Find your nearest one using this online map.
For more guidance, visit:
Dealing with hot weather – Camden Council
Beat the heat: staying safe in hot weather – GOV.UK
Active for life
Active for Life is a 12-week programme to help Camden residents aged 60+ build more physical activity into their everyday lives. Camden Council’s Health and Wellbeing Department are running the programme for a second time after positive feedback from participants in 2024. After joining Active for Life, 64% of Camden residents over 60 felt more confident being active.
When you join Active for Life, you can:
- Apply for a free one-day pass to use at any Better Leisure Centre in Camden
- Try free taster classes at three community partner venues to explore new ways to be active
- Explore your local Better Leisure Centre at one of our Active for Life open days and enjoy free taster classes
- Meet other participants at social drop-ins
- Pick up a free resistance band from one of our partner venues to exercise at home
Get 12 weekly email newsletters packed with practical tips, home exercises, free and low-cost activities and more.
Residents have until 31st July to sign up. Find out more and join today at camden.gov.uk/active-for-life or call 0207974 0016.
Camden Together: Meet new people and try new things
Making new connections can help us feel happier and healthier – and there are lots of ways to meet new people and try new things in Camden. Find out about free and low-cost activities, volunteering opportunities, social groups and more at camden.gov.uk/connect.
It’s normal to feel lonely sometimes. If it’s affecting your mental health, speak to your GP or find out about more support available at camden.gov.uk/together
Are you pregnant or do you have a child under 4 years?
You could get help towards the cost of vegetables, fruit, milk, infant formula, and pulses with the NHS Healthy Start Scheme. Check if you qualify and apply today:
www.healthystart.nhs.uk or call 0300 330 7010 or email: healthy.start@nhsbsa.nhs.uk
Catch up on the latest news and blogs
Stay connected with what’s happening across the college by exploring our latest stories and blogs. Visit our News & Blogs page to discover updates, features, and inspiring moments from our community.
What’s on in the local community (Camden)
Queer Islington exhibition
Explore Protest & Recognition in Queer Islington, 1970–2026 at Union Chapel and discover the stories, activism and achievements that have shaped the local LGBTQ+ community.
Camdenwalla
A contemporary theatre production exploring themes of identity, belonging and culture. Suitable for learners interested in drama, storytelling and social issues.
Dates: Until 4 July 2026
Time: 7:15 pm – 8:30 pm
Location: Camden People’s Theatre, 58–60 Hampstead Road, London NW1 2PY
Cost: £12–£18
Lancelot Ribeiro: A retrospective revisited
Discover the work of celebrated artist Lancelot Ribeiro in this major retrospective exhibition. A great opportunity for learners interested in art, history and cultural heritage.
Dates: 1 July – 6 August 2026
Time: 10 am – 8 pm (closed Sundays)
Location: Swiss Cottage Gallery, Central Library, 88 Avenue Road, London NW3 3HA
Cost: Free
Camden Pride – Queer artist market and craft workshop
Browse artwork from LGBTQ+ creatives, take part in craft workshops and celebrate diversity and inclusion at this free community event. Ideal for learners interested in art, creativity and community engagement.
Date: Saturday 4 July 2026
Time: 12 pm – 6 pm
Location: St Giles Square, Denmark Street, London WC2H 8LH
Cost: Free
Camden Mela
Celebrate South Asian Heritage Month at Camden Mela, a vibrant community festival featuring live music, dance, food, arts and cultural performances. A fantastic opportunity to experience and learn about South Asian cultures in a welcoming community setting.
Date: Sunday 12 July 2026
Time: 12 pm – 6 pm
Location: Coram’s Fields, 93 Guilford Street, London WC1N 1DN
Cost: Free
