The WEA is the largest voluntary sector provider of adult education courses in the UK and one of the largest charities around.

We were founded in 1903 to support the educational needs of working men and women and today we provide over 12,000 courses each year, for more than 80,000 adults of all ages and from all walks of life.

We aim to meet the individual needs of different communities and students, by giving them a direct say in how the WEA is run and the types of courses we offer.

Over half our courses are developed with other local charities and community groups to ensure they really do meet people’s needs and interests.

We also provide a wide range of courses in partnership with trade unions and employers.

Our aims

To involve students, volunteers, members and other partners in:

• Promoting learning for life
• Changing and enriching lives through learning – at individual and community levels
• Influencing and campaigning on behalf of adult learners
• Removing barriers to learning
• Being responsive in the heart of communities
• Making the most effective use of all our resources
• Promoting adult education worldwide

Our values

• Believing in people, communities and their potential to change through education
• Putting the student at the centre of everything we do
• Creating equality and opportunity, and challenging discrimination
• Challenging and questioning ourselves

Help to bring learning to life for yourself and others

There are all kinds of ways you can get involved with the WEA. For example, you could become a member of the WEA and get more involved at local or national level, including having your say in how the organisation is run; you could volunteer with the WEA; or you could help us campaign on a range of issues or make a donation.

Find out more on the national WEA website or feel free to get in touch with us to find out how to get involved locally.