14.07.2026

WAES Community Learning Fund 2026-27 opens for applications

Westminster Adult Education Service (WAES) has launched its annual Community Learning Fund, inviting community and voluntary organisations to apply for funding to deliver learning opportunities for Westminster residents during 2026-27.

Funded through the Greater London Authority’s Adult Skills Fund, the programme supports projects that help adults gain confidence, improve their wellbeing, develop skills for life and work, and progress into further learning, volunteering or employment.

A total of £120,000 is available this year, with organisations able to apply for up to £25,000 to deliver innovative, non-accredited community learning projects.

Priority will be given to projects supporting unemployed residents and others who face barriers to education, skills development and employment. WAES is particularly keen to fund projects reaching residents in Westminster’s wards with the highest levels of unemployment, including Church Street, Queen’s Park, Harrow Road, Churchill Gardens, Tachbrook and Westbourne.

Applications that focus on employability, digital inclusion, maths and numeracy, health and wellbeing, or sustainability will be considered favourably. Learning activities could include digital skills, family learning, green skills, creative arts, volunteering, mental health and wellbeing, English and maths, life skills, and programmes that help learners progress into further education or work.

Community organisations do not need previous experience of delivering formal education programmes. Successful partners will receive support from WAES to meet funding, quality and safeguarding requirements, including training opportunities and ongoing guidance throughout the delivery period.

“Community organisations play a vital role in reaching residents who may not otherwise engage with learning. Through this funding we are looking to support innovative projects that help people build skills, confidence and connections within their communities, while creating clear pathways into further learning, volunteering and employment.”
Sabirah Ali, Head of Community & Cultural Learning

Information session

WAES will hold an online tender information session on Thursday 30 July, 1.00pm-2.00pm, providing an opportunity for prospective applicants to learn more about the fund, discuss project ideas and ask questions about the application process. Organisations wishing to attend should register their interest by emailing communitylearning@waes.ac.uk

Key dates

Tuesday 14 July 2026 – Tender opens
Thursday 30 July 2026, 1.00pm-2.00pm – Online information session
Thursday 3 September 2026, 5.00pm – Application deadline
11-15 September 2026 – Applicants notified of outcomes
October 2026 – Delivery can begin following contract award and set-up processes

How to apply

Interested organisations should download the guidance and application documents below and submit their completed application by 5.00pm on Thursday 3 September 2026 to communitylearning@waes.ac.uk

Please use the subject line Community Learning 2026-27 Tender.