Adult education
We very are excited to welcome you back to our newly refurbished St Martins Learning Centre after a complete renovation, with two new state of the art learning rooms and an Internet Café, available for use every day.
Whether you want to study to discover your potential, gain essential skills, increase your confidence, access further training, improve your career prospects or gain qualifications, you are in the right place!
High Trees run an exciting variety of free courses, including functional skills ICT, English and Maths, ESOL classes, vocational courses, Family Learning, Art and Wellbeing and Community Organising courses.
Our offer of accredited and non-accredited courses range from basic skills that can help with employment or build skills for everyday life, to specialised accredited courses that can provide routes into new areas (such as housing, community action or education).
Our provision is delivered across all High Trees venues, which includes the High Trees Learning Centre, the Scout’s Hut and the Tulse Hill Adventure Playground, or in multiple other venues in Lambeth, including children’s centres and libraries.
We recognise that some learners have previously had little or negative experiences of education and training, so we aim to offer all of our courses in a supportive environment and to provide you with the best guidance about opportunities for volunteering, accessing further or higher education and training.
If you are interested in a course that is not on the list or if you are unsure of what course or level suits your needs, our adult education and training team are here to help you in identifying the most suitable course for you. Please get in touch with our team at 0208 671 3132, text or call 07305 080 995 or email courses@high-trees.org.
Take a look at our course guide
Available Courses
Click a button to filter courses by topic
One Day Food & Hygiene Level 2
January 17, 2023
Course details
The course is designed for anyone who works with, or handles food and wants to meet the UK food training requirements. In this course you will learn about the impact of food-borne illnesses, food safety hazards and contamination, food preservation, storage and temperature control, as well as HACCP.
This course will run on Tuesday 10am – 4.30pm at the High Trees.
Introduction to Community Organising
March 24, 2023
Course details
This fun, energetic course introduces you to some key skills in Community Organising. Community Organising is the work of bringing people together to take action around their common concerns and overcome social injustice. Community Organisers reach out and listen, connect and motivate people to build their collective power.
This one-session course will take place on Friday 24th March 2023 from 9.30am to 5pm at High Trees Learning Centre. Sessions are designed so that everybody can take part and share their ideas and experiences and learn some practical tools and skills.
Introduction to Stress Management
March 31, 2023
Course details
During this one-day course, we will explore what is perceived as stress, the signs to look out for, and how we can become more emotionally resilient and reduce the effects of stress on our everyday life. You will learn practical tips and tools to support your well-being.
English Learn & Play
April 13, 2023
Course details
Do you have a child/children aged 0 to 5?
Come along to our FREE Play sessions on Thursdays, where you can learn English and meet other Parents!
We have many fun activities planned for you and your child, inside and in the garden!]
Thursdays 1:30pm – 3:00pm – Drop in sessions at the Tulse Hill Adventure Playground, SW2 2EY
ESOL Pre-Entry
April 17, 2023
Course details
Do you speak English as a second language? Join our FREE ESOL online course to improve your English reading, writing & speaking and listening skills!
This ESOL course runs every Monday 10am – 12pm from 17th April to 10th July at the Scout Hut in Tulse Hill SW2 3PX. This is an Entry Level class, so perfect if this is the first time you are studying with us. Our ESOL courses are fun, engaging and accessible! All learners will get access to teaching resources and the opportunity of 1:1 support with their teacher.
ICT for Beginners
April 20, 2023
Course details
Would you like to be more confident with computers? This ICT for beginners class is a two-day course running on Thursdays from 20th April to 27th April from 10am – 3pm at High Trees. Learn to use email, search engines and Microsoft software. To find out more information and to register your interest, get in contact with our Education & Training team. Spaces are limited.
After this introduction, you may be able to progress on another ICT course.
English Functional Skills Entry 3
April 25, 2023
Course details
This course runs on Tuesday 9.30am – 3pm from 25th April to 11th July at High Trees Learning Centre.
By the end of this course, you will be able to demonstrate the ability, at an appropriate level, to read, write speak, listen and communicate in English and you will also be able to apply this knowledge and these skills within specific situations.
ESOL Entry 1 Plus
April 25, 2023
Course details
Do you speak English as a second language? Join our FREE ESOL course to improve your English reading, writing & speaking and listening skills!
This ESOL course runs every Tuesday 10am – 1pm from 25th April to 11th July at the Scout Hut in Tulse Hill SW2 3PX. This is an Entry Level, so perfect if this is the first time you are studying with us. Our ESOL courses are fun, engaging and accessible!
English Functional Skills Entry 1
April 26, 2023
Course details
This course runs on Wednesday 9.30am – 3pm from 26th April to 12th July at High Trees Learning centre.
This course will give you the skills to follow and understand the main points of discussion and in return give your own points of view and provide appropriate responses. You will be able to read and understand texts in different formats using techniques appropriate to the task.
The course will also focus on the ability to plan, draft and organise writing, logically and clearly using basic grammar and verb tense with the ability to check the accuracy of work including the spelling.
ESOL Entry 2 Plus
April 27, 2023
Course details
Do you speak English as a second language? Have you studied with us before and want to progress onto a more advanced course? Our FREE ESOL courses are designed to improve your English reading, writing & speaking and listening skills!
This ESOL course runs every Thursday 10am – 12pm from the 27th of April to 13th July at the Scout Hut in Tulse Hill SW2 3PX. Our ESOL courses are fun, engaging and accessible!
All learners will get access to teaching resources and the opportunity of 1:1 support with their teacher.
English Functional Skills Entry 2
April 27, 2023
Course details
This course runs on Thursdays 9.30am – 3pm from the 27th April to the 13th July at High Trees Learning centre.
This course will give you the skills to follow and understand the main points of discussion and in return give your own points of view and provide appropriate responses. You will be able to read and understand texts in different formats using techniques appropriate to the task.
The course will also focus on the ability to plan, draft and organise writing, logically and clearly using basic grammar and verb tense with the ability to check the accuracy of work including the spelling.
ESOL Conversation Club
April 28, 2023
Course details
Do you speak English as a second language? Do you want to improve your speaking and communication skills? This course is open to all learners enrolled on our ESOL classes and is ideal for those who want to gain additional skills in English and improve their confidence in speaking.
This ESOL course runs every Friday from 10am to 12pm from 28th April to 14th July at the Scout Hut in Tulse Hill SW2 3PX. Our ESOL courses are fun, engaging and accessible!
Award in Information, Advice & Guidance Level 3 (Accredited)
April 28, 2023
Course details
This course will provide individuals with the skills, knowledge, and a qualification required by employers in a broad range of contexts where information, advice or guidance (IAG) is provided, including those working in:
• Employment and Career Services
• Education and Youth Sectors
• Front Line Customer Services
• Advice Services
This 11- week course will take place at High Trees Hub, 220 Upper Tulse Hill, SW2 2NS. It will run from the 28th April to 14th July, 9.30am-4pm
The cost of this course is £395 per person.
ESOL Entry 1
May 3, 2023
Course details
Do you speak English as a second language? Have you studied with us before and want to progress onto a more advanced course? Our FREE ESOL courses are designed to improve your English reading, writing & speaking and listening skills!
This ESOL course runs Wednesday 10am – 12pm from 3rd May to 12th July at the Scout Hut in Tulse Hill SW2 3PX. Our ESOL courses are fun, engaging and accessible! All learners will get access to teaching resources and the opportunity of 1:1 sessions with their teacher.
ESOL at Sunnyhill Children’s Centre
May 3, 2023
Course details
Do you speak English as a second language? Do you want to improve your speaking, listening, reading and writing to have the confidence to get more involved in your local community? This is the course for you! This course runs on Wednesdays 9.30am- 11.30am from the 3rd May to the 12th July at Sunnyhill Children’s Centre, Entrance in Harborough Roaday, Sunnyhill Road, SW16 2UW
- Free on-site crèche facilities are available whilst you are studying
- All children under 5 years old are welcome, however, some children’s centres may be restricted to 6 months and above
- Please be aware that crèche spaces are limited and we may have to restrict the place to one child per learner
ICT Entry 1
May 4, 2023
Course details
This course runs on Thursday 10am – 3pm from 4th May to 13th July at High Trees Learning Centre.
Do you want to develop your IT skills to be confident to work in an administrative role and make yourself more attractive to employers? You will gain a Functional Skills qualification in ICT which will cover – email and file management – presenting information in the correct format – designing professional looking posters – using Excel to make calculations and design charts – maintaining a secure network – taking into account relevance, bias and copyright when using information.
ESOL at Hitherfield Children’s Centre
May 4, 2023
Course details
Do you speak English as a second language and are you a parent of a child aged 0 to 5? Do you want to improve your speaking, listening, reading and writing to have the confidence to get more involved in your local community? This is the course for you! This course runs on Thursday 1pm to 3pm from 4th May to 13th July at Hitherfield Children’s Centre, SW16 2JQ.
- Free on-site crèche facilities are available whilst you are studying
- All children under 5 years old are welcome, however, some children’s centres may be restricted to 6 months and above
- Please be aware that crèche spaces are limited and we may have to restrict the place to one child per learner
Saturday ESOL
May 6, 2023
Course details
Do you speak English as a second language? Join our FREE ESOL course to improve your English reading, writing & speaking and listening skills!
This ESOL course runs every Saturday 11am to 1pm from 6th May to 8th July at the Scout Hut in Tulse Hill SW2 3PX.
This is an Entry Level, so perfect if this is the first time you are studying with us. Our ESOL courses are fun, engaging and accessible!
Yoga for Mindfulness – afternoon and evening options
May 15, 2023
Course details
This course focuses on yoga practice, mediation and breathing exercises for relaxation and stress reduction. This class runs every Monday either from 4pm – 6pm or from 6pm tp 8pm from the 15th May to the 10th July at the High Trees Learning Centre.
ICT Entry 2
May 15, 2023
Course details
This course runs on Mondays 10am – 4pm from the 15h May to 10th July at High Trees Learning Centre.
Entry Level ICT Functional Skills are ideal for learners wishing to develop practical, transferable skills in ICT in order to work confidently, effectively, and independently in life. They’re suitable for a range of learners and are fundamental for completing various wider qualifications and frameworks, such as Foundation Learning.
You will gain a Functional Skills qualification in ICT which will cover – email and file management – presenting information in the correct format – designing professional-looking posters/presentations - using Excel to make calculations, design charts and graphs - maintaining a secure network – taking into account relevance, bias and copyright when using information.
Employability Skills course
May 19, 2023
Course details
This course is ideal for anyone who wants to improve and refresh their employability skills such as working in a team, time management, interview skills and how to communicate effectively in a work environment.
Join our 4 weeks FREE Employability Skills course, with the possibility to receive 1:1 employment and career support on completion*
The course will run on Fridays 12.30pm – 2.30pm from 18th November to 2nd December at Myatts Field North Centre, 24 Crawshay Road London, SW9 6FZ.
*Personalised employment support available to all Lambeth residents (Croydon, Wandsworth & Southwark welcome) who are currently unemployed or working less than 7 hours per week.
Art of Confident Speaking
June 10, 2023
Course details
Do you want to be able to speak more confidently in public? Would you like to improve your ability to deliver presentations, succeed at interviews or contribute to meetings? Join us on this short course to unlock your potential as a public speaker!
This fun, energetic two day course will teach you strategies of public speaking. You will learn key principles for successfully speaking in front of an audience and get opportunities to practice, including for
job interviews.
This course will run on Friday from 10:00am – 4:30pm at High Trees Learning Centre. Dates to be confirmed.
Mindful Mandala Mosaic
September 22, 2023
Course details
Working with patterns and colours you will learn an array of mosaic techniques to help you create your own mosaic mandala. A unique meditative mosaic class to encourage creativity and mindfulness.
This course runs every Friday 9.30am – 12pm from 22nd September to 10th November at the High Trees learning centre.
Maths Functional Skills Entry 1-3
September 26, 2023
Course details
Learn how to use Maths in everyday life and gain a qualification in the field!
This accredited course will run on Tuesday 10am – 3.30pm from 26th September to 12th December at the High Trees Learning Centre. Upon successful completion, you will gain the NCFE Entry level Functional Skills Qualification in Mathematics.
All participants will get access to teaching online resources and the opportunity of 1:1 sessions. We are able to accommodate learners who are unable to attend for the whole duration of the class and we will work with you to support you to learn in a friendly and supportive environment. This course is funded by Lambeth Adult Learning and is open to all London residents aged 19 +.