The Tamar Bridge is a  suspension bridge over the River Tamar between Saltash and Plymouth.

We've a series of free workshops and lectures brought to you live from the Bridging the Tamar Visitor and Learning Centre, full details coming soon.

Founded in 1903, our mission is to bring adult education within reach of everyone who needs it. This could be in a local venue near you, or online via your computer, tablet or phone.

Our free skills for work courses give you the skills, confidence and qualifications that you need to reach your job goals. Sign up to get the latest news about learning for jobs and work.

At the WEA, we have many campaigns running to support adults into learning. You might come across them on social media, our homepage, or by receiving our regular email updates. 

You can browse our ongoing campaigns via the links below. Remember, if you're looking for a WEA course, our course search and course categories are available at the top of every page.

The one thing you don't see in the election frenzy is a hearty debate about how political parties are investing in adult education. It's not surprising therefore that investment and participation have halved in the last decade.​

Here at the WEA, we know our learning builds confidence, well-being, and community connections, as well as developing skills for work. We know we can do this for those who need it most and are often hardest to reach.​

Education for these purposes is critical for the chances and quality of life of thousands of people in the UK. It's also great value for money for UK Plc.​ It's why we and our learners are raising awareness among politicians. 

We need more people to understand, care and champion the cause to keep community adult education within reach.​ Join us today.

To help you talk about the WEA, we’ve put together an advocacy pack, which tells the story of the WEA. 

This includes a slideshow with information on who we are, the work we do, and the impact it has on a local, regional and national level.

We've even included a script to help you in the notes section.  

You can use this pack to talk to your friends and family, or when meeting with someone you think should know about the WEA - including local politicians.

Click here to find a template letter to help you write to your local MP. 

When you are talking to a stranger (at a networking event, in a husting, or yes, in an elevator), and they ask, "What’s the WEA?” or “Why should I choose to learn with the WEA” or “Why fund learners to study with the WEA?” would you know what to say? 

In situations like these, you need a short, snappy, easy-to-grasp explanation. The person you are speaking with might turn out to be a future learner, or be able to influence education funding policy or funding decisions, or know someone who is. 

Here’s our suggestions, but don’t be frightened to share your own personal experience, if you think it would appeal to your audience. Importantly, it would be worth exploring their interests and motives before diving in – if you have time! 

The WEA have developed a management framework to support and enhance our relationship with our subcontractors. Our handbook (which you can download below) provides an insight into our requirements, how the WEA will support your organisation with access to information, and how we intend to work together to ensure that we meet the goals and aims of your educational provision agreement.

Other documents for subcontractors are also available for download:

• Subcontractor fees policy for 2024/2025
   
• Subcontractor payments for 2022/2023
• Subcontractor payments for 2021/2022
• Subcontractor payments for 2020/2021
• Subcontractor payment for 2019/2020

The members of the Board of Trustees of the WEA, who are the Trustees of the charity, and Directors and Members of the Company, have pleasure in submitting the report and accounts for the year ended 31 July 2023.

The financial statements have been prepared in accordance with the accounting policies set out in the attached financial statements and comply with the charitable company’s Articles of Association, applicable law and regulations, and:

• Have been properly prepared in accordance with UK accounting standards, including FRS102, the Financial Reporting Standard applicable in the UK and Republic of Ireland and with the 2019 Statement of Recommended Practice: Accounting and Reporting for Charities; and
• Meet the requirements of the ESFA funding agreement and financial memorandum dated 31 August 2022 and issued by the ESFA.

The report has been prepared in accordance with Part 8 of the Charities Act 2011 and also constitutes a directors’ report as required by section 418 of the Companies Act 2006.

The governance arrangements are explained in more detail in the Structure, governance & management section on page 26.

Historic copies of the WEA Trustees report can be found on Companies House.