Residents in Kendal can now apply for adult learning courses designed to build qualifications, improve employment skills, develop hobbies and support health and wellbeing. Cumbria Adult Learning has launched its programme for the 2026-27 academic year, with free skills courses available through its Kendal centre and elsewhere across Cumbria.
The programme is aimed at people who want to gain new qualifications, strengthen their job prospects or try a new subject. The full curriculum is available on the Cumbria Adult Learning website. Printed brochures are also due to be provided at the service’s six main centres, including Kendal, as well as in major libraries and through key partner organisations. An online version will also be available.
Courses include English, maths and digital skills
Qualification courses cover English, maths, English for speakers of other languages, digital skills, employability, health and wellbeing and the greener curriculum. Courses start at Entry Level and continue through Levels 1 and 2.
Previous qualifications are not required to begin. Alongside the skills programme, Cumbria Adult Learning offers arts and crafts, languages, health and wellbeing and other non-qualification classes. The service describes these courses as a supportive way for learners to build skills, improve confidence and try new experiences in their local community.
All skills courses are free. Other classes may be subsidised under the relevant terms and conditions, so they could be available at a lower cost or at no cost to learners.
Free training offered to Cumbrian businesses
Employers can also access the new “Skills Bridge” programme. It provides free, bespoke training for employed staff and people looking for work, with the stated aim of supporting workforce excellence across the county.
Further information about Skills Bridge, the complete course programme and local centres is available through the Cumbria Adult Learning website.
Service reports high learner satisfaction
Cumbria Adult Learning is rated “Good” overall by Ofsted, with personal development achieved by learners among two areas graded “Outstanding”. The council says 98% of learners are satisfied and 97% say their courses met expectations.
Learners receive help and guidance from staff throughout their course. One recent learner said: “My tutor was a really great teacher. I felt fully supported throughout the course. Thank you.”
Councillor Janet Battye, Westmorland and Furness Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, Education and Skills, said the programme would help people develop their skills. She said: “Every year, over 6000 learners choose to learn with us. They tell us how our courses have helped them to develop new skills, explore new hobbies, gain qualifications, advance their career, find a new job, build their confidence, and support their wellbeing.”
Emma Hamer, Cumberland Council’s Assistant Director for Education, SEND and Inclusion, said there were “hundreds of classes” led by experienced tutors and encouraged people considering a new subject to contact the service.
Cumbria Adult Learning is a hosted service provided by Westmorland and Furness Council for the whole of Cumbria. Kendal is one of its six main centres.