Getting Ready for Your Course
This page is for learners who have already enrolled on a WAES course.
Welcome to Westminster Adult Education Service (WAES). We’re really pleased that you’ve chosen to learn with us.
Whether you’ve recently enrolled or did so earlier in the year, and whether your course starts soon or later on, this page is here to help you feel prepared and confident. You don’t need to remember everything here — you’ll be supported again once your course begins, and you can come back to this page at any time.
What your first weeks will be like
During the first or second session of your course, your tutor will usually take some time for induction.
Induction is designed to help you settle in and may include:
- Meeting your tutor and classmates
- An overview of how your course works
- Information about support available while you’re learning
- An introduction to online learning tools and resources
You don’t need to prepare anything in advance. Everything will be explained step by step.
Learning support and wellbeing
Learning support
We offer additional learning support for learners who may need extra help with their studies. This includes support for:
- Neurodivergent learners (such as autism, ADHD or dyslexia)
- Disabilities or long‑term health conditions
- Mental health needs
- English, maths or study skills support
You may already have mentioned support needs when you enrolled, but you can raise them at any point during your course. You don’t need a diagnosis to ask for help — a conversation is enough to start things moving.
Welfare support
We understand that life outside the classroom can sometimes affect learning. Our Welfare Officers can offer confidential, non‑judgemental support if personal, financial, housing or health issues are affecting your studies.
Asking for support will not affect your place on a course.
Help with costs and childcare
Financial support and bursaries
Some learners may be able to apply for financial support to help with course‑related costs, such as fees, travel, materials or childcare.
Eligibility depends on factors such as your course type and personal circumstances. You’ll be given information about how to apply, and what evidence is needed, once your course has started.
Childcare and nurseries
WAES has nurseries at our Lisson Grove and Pimlico centres to help parents and carers take part in learning while their child is looked after.
If you’re thinking about using a nursery place, it’s helpful to explore this early. Further information will be shared during induction or on request.
Careers and progression support
Careers support is available to all WAES learners throughout their course — not just at the end.
Our Careers and Learner Development team can help with:
- Exploring career options
- CVs and job applications
- Interview preparation
- Progression to further learning or training
You can engage with careers support at a pace that works for you.
Having your say as a learner
Your views matter at WAES, and learner feedback helps shape how we work.
There are a number of ways learners can share their views, including:
- Learner Representatives within classes
- Learner Governors who represent learners at governing body level
- Surveys and learner forums during the year
Some surveys — such as the London Learner Survey for learners on funded courses — are mandatory. These are usually completed during induction, with support from staff.
Digital access and learning tools
Once you’ve started your course, you’ll receive a WAES Microsoft account.
This account is used to:
- Access your learner email
- Join Microsoft Teams classes or class groups
- Find learning resources on the Learner Hub
You’ll be shown how everything works during induction. If you’re not confident with digital tools, help and guidance will be available.
Discounts and learner benefits
As a WAES learner, you’ll be able to access a range of discounts, including student discount schemes such as UNiDAYS and TOTUM.
These generally require your WAES email address, which you’ll receive once your course begins. Discounts are optional, but many learners find them useful.
A final note
We’re looking forward to welcoming you to WAES.
If you have questions before your course starts, you can use the contact details in your enrolment confirmation. Once your course begins, your tutor and the Learner Development team will be there to support you every step of the way.
If you’d like to do a little further thinking ahead of time, you may also find our Preparing for Learning page helpful.
