Why Study at WAES

Westminster Adult Education Service (WAES) offers an ideal place to learn and build your skills and confidence, If you are returning to education, want to gain new skills, develop your knowledge, improve your basic skills or find a pathway to employment, we can support you, even if it has been many years since you last studied.

We are Westminster’s only specialist adult education provider. You can expect a warm welcome and to study with like-minded people, in our friendly, relaxed colleges.

We take education out to the community, with courses in over 80 venues across Westminster.

Our teaching and learning methods are specifically designed for adults and ur tutors are dedicated professionals with many years’ experience in industry and adult education.

Many of our courses are free but, even if you pay a fee, you will find that you pay less at WAES than at neighbouring providers.

We offer a safe and supportive environment and atmosphere. We have Learning Centres which offer study space, IT facilities and libraries and we have a creche to provide childcare whilst you study.

Our courses enable you to go on from first steps right through to level 3 (access to higher education), giving you the opportunity to retrain and upskill.

About us

Westminster is one of the most diverse and dynamic communities in Britain. Westminster Adult Education Service (WAES) reflects that diversity as one of the largest local authority adult education providers in the country.

The service is part of the Regeneration, Economy and Planning department of Westminster City Council and is funded by the Education and Skills Funding Agency. Our board of governors includes elected members of the city council and members from the community and local organisations.

We have strong roots in the community, running courses where they are needed through partnerships with the local authority and other community and education bodies.

To ensure the quality of our courses and support for students we are inspected by Ofsted. On courses leading to national qualifications, we must also meet the high standards required by examination bodies. We aim to make it as easy for our learners as possible to study here.

View our course selection now and begin your learning journey with Westminster’s specialist adult college.