Workers' Educational Association

Who we are

Founded in 1903, the Workers' Educational Association (WEA) is a charity and the UK’s largest voluntary sector provider of adult education. In 2014/15 we delivered 9,700 part-time courses for over 70,000 students in England and Scotland with classes in almost every local authority area and our work in England was assessed in 2014 as ‘Good’ by Ofsted. With the support of nearly 400 local branches, 3,000 volunteers, 2,000 part-time tutors and our active membership, the WEA provides high quality, student-centred and tutor-led education for adults from all walks of life. We bring education into the heart of communities, helping people learn whatever they want – from maths, English and skills for employment, through health and wellbeing courses, to cultural studies that help students broaden their horizons and community engagement programmes that encourage active citizenship. The WEA provides courses across four curriculum themes:

Employability: to develop confidence, understanding and skills to help adults, at all stages of their lives, participate more fully in the world of work

Health & Wellbeing: to combat health inequalities and promote a social and preventative model of health and well-being

Community Engagement: to combat social exclusion and promote active citizenship. Cultural Studies: to broaden horizons through understanding cultures, identities and environments embodying our commitment to social purpose

The WEA’s mission is to create “a better world, equal, democratic and just; through adult education the WEA challenges and inspires individuals, communities and society.”