Adult education
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 or email courses@high-trees.org.
Take a look at our course guide
Available Courses
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CIH Level 3 Housing Practice
June 11, 2021
Course details
Do you want to improve the housing sector? Then join us on this accredited course to gain all the skills and knowledge you need to drive change within Housing. This course runs on Tuesday & Friday 10am-3pm from 11th June
This specialised accredited qualification from the Chartered Institute of Housing, aims to drive improvement in the housing sector by equipping you with key skills and knowledge about the housing system. You will gain knowledge in occupancy, tenure, and lettings, exploring the Housing System and learn professional Practice Skills for Housing. This course is ideal for those are interested in exploring a career in the housing sector.
Please note that this course is funded by Lambeth Housing and it is exclusively open to learners who are Lambeth Housing tenants. You will be asked to provide a proof of address in order to join the course..
Art of Confident Speaking
July 5, 2021
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 is a one day course running on Monday the 5th of July from 10am to 4pm
Action for Change through Community Organising
August 31, 2021
Course details
This one-day course will explore how you can make change for good through collective action. You will explore the different types of action you can take, from DIY action to campaigning, explore stories of action and success factors and learn how to develop a strategy for change based on listening, building people power and leadership and picking tactics and methods for action.
Preparation to English Functional Skills E1 – L1
September 13, 2021
Course details
This is a one day preparation course on Monday 13th September from 10-3.30pm to ensure your skills and knowledge are ready for English Functional Skills
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.
Bus Mechanic Pre-Employment Training
September 13, 2021
Course details
This Pre-Employment Training is a two day online course to prepare you with skills and knowledge for a bus mechanic role. Enrolment on this course will guarantee an interview with Arriva.
Arriva are seeking bus mechanics in the following locations: Grays , Croydon , Palmers Green , Barking , Enfield , Dartford , Ash Grove and Clapton.
Preparation to English Functional Skills Entry 3
September 14, 2021
Course details
This is a one day preparation course on Tuesday 14th September from 10-3.30pm to ensure your skills and knowledge are ready for English Functional Skills Entry 3.
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 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 at Hitherfield Children’s Centre
September 16, 2021
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 Thursdays 1pm-3pm from the 16th September to the 25th November.
- 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
ESOL at Benton’s Lane Children’s Centre
September 17, 2021
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 Fridays at 9.30am-11.30am from the 17th September to the 26th November.
- 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
English Functional Skills E1 – L1
September 20, 2021
Course details
This course runs on Monday 10am-3.30pm from the 20th September until the 6th December at High Trees Community Education and Training Hub.
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 Pre-Entry
September 20, 2021
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-1pm from the 20th September until the 13th December at the Tulse Hill Adventure Playground. 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 sessions with their teacher.
ICT for Beginners
September 20, 2021
Course details
Would you like to be more confident with computers? This ICT for beginners class is a two day course running on Monday 20th September – Tuesday 21st September 10am – 4.30pm at High Trees Community Education and Training Hub. Join this course to improve your Word, email and internet search skills to help your skills to help you with everyday tasks.
ESOL Entry 1
September 21, 2021
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 Tuesday 10am-1pm from the 21st September until the 14th December at the Tulse Hill Adventure Playground. 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! All learners will get access to teaching resources and the opportunity of 1:1 sessions with their teacher.
Preparation to ICT Entry 3
September 21, 2021
Course details
Our accredited Functional Skills ICT courses are designed for learners who want to learn practical, transferable skills in ICT in order to work confidently, effectively and independently in life and achieve a qualification.
This is a preparation course to ensure your skills and knowledge are at the right level to enter Entry 3 ICT. This course runs on Tuesday 10am-4.30pm until the 21st September at High Trees Community Education and Training Hub. By completing the course, you will demonstrate that you have mastered the use of ICT in everyday life and will make you 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/presentations - using Excel to make calculations, design charts and graphs - maintaining a secure network – taking into account relevance, bias and copyright when using information.
English Functional Skills E3
September 21, 2021
Course details
This course runs on Tuesdays 10am-3.30pm from the 21st September until the 7th December at High Trees Community Education and Training Hub
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 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.
Computer Skills at Baytree Centre
September 22, 2021
Course details
Learn useful computer skills on Wednesdays 12-2:30pm from the 22nd of September until the 20th of October at the Baytree Centre. Understand how to turn on computers, access the internet and write and reply to emails.
Preparation to ICT Level 1
September 22, 2021
Course details
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.
This is a preparation course to ensure your skills and knowledge are at the right level to enter Level 1 ICT. This course runs on Wednesday 10am-4.30pm starting on the 22nd September at High Trees Community Education and Training Hub.
ESOL Entry 2
September 22, 2021
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 Wednesday 10am-12pm from the 22nd September until the 1st December at the Tulse Hill Adventure Playground. This is a progression level, so ideal for learners who have been attending courses with us in Sprint and are progressing onto a more advance level. 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 Entry 3
September 23, 2021
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 23rd September until the 2nd December at the Tulse Hill Adventure Playground. This is a progression level, so ideal for learners who have been attending courses with us in Spring and are progressing onto a more advance level. Our ESOL courses are fun, engaging and accessible! All learners will get access to teaching online resources and the opportunity of 1:1 sessions with their teacher.
Preparation to Maths Functional Skills E2 – L1
September 23, 2021
Course details
This is a preparation course to get your skills and knowledge ready for Maths E2-L1. It is a two day course on Wednesday 23rd of September and Thursday 24th September from 10am-4pm at High Trees Community Education and Training Hub.
Learn how to use Maths in everyday life and gain a qualification in the field!
Upon successful completion you will gain the NCFE LEVEL 1 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 open to all London residents aged 19 +.
ESOL Conversation Club
September 24, 2021
Course details
Do you speak English as a second language? Do you want to improve your speaking and communication skills? This online 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 1pm from the 24th September to the 3rd December at the Tulse Hill Adventure Playground. Our ESOL courses are fun, engaging and accessible! All learners will get access to teaching online resources and the opportunity of 1:1 sessions with their teacher.
Africology
September 27, 2021
Course details
Are you interested in the history, culture and politics of Africa? Do you want to gain a detailed understanding of the true history of Africa and Africans in the Diaspora? This course will explore these themes and more.
This course will run on Mondays 6-9pm from the 27th September to the 8th November at High Trees Community Education and Training Hub.
Award in Preparing to Work in School Level 1
September 30, 2021
Course details
Do you want a career working in schools? This course prepares you for all elements of working in a school setting.
The course runs on Monday and Thursday 10am – 3pm. This a free course for Lambeth Housing Tenants. Refreshments are provided and the cost of childcare will be covered.
One Day Food & Hygiene Level 2
September 30, 2021
Course details
This course runs on Tuesday 10am-3pm. 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.
Award in Education and Training Level 3
October 1, 2021
Course details
Do you want to explore a career in teaching and training? This specialised accredited course will provide you with an introduction to teaching and training in a variety of contexts. During this on will gain awareness of key principles, methodology and practise of teaching.
This course will run on Friday 10am-3pm from the 1st October to the 10th December at High Trees Community Education and Training Hub. Please note that this course is funded by Lambeth Housing and it is exclusively open to learners who are Lambeth Housing tenants. You will be asked to provide a proof of address in order to join the course. All participants will get access to teaching online resources and the opportunity of 1:1 sessions.
ICT Entry 2
October 4, 2021
Course details
This course runs on Thursday 10am-3pm starting on the 4th October at High Trees Community Education and Training Hub.
The Level 2 Functional Skills in ICT course is the equivalent of a grade 4 (C) at GCSE level. By completing the course, you will demonstrate that you have mastered the use of ICT in everyday life and will make you 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/presentations - using Excel to make calculations, design charts and graphs - maintaining a secure network – taking into account relevance, bias and copyright when using information.
ICT Entry 3
October 5, 2021
Course details
Our accredited Functional Skills ICT courses are designed for learners who want to learn practical, transferable skills in ICT in order to work confidently, effectively and independently in life and achieve a qualification.
This course runs on Tuesday 10am – 3pm starting from the 5th October at High Trees Community Education and Training Hub. By completing the course, you will demonstrate that you have mastered the use of ICT in everyday life and will make you 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/presentations - using Excel to make calculations, design charts and graphs - maintaining a secure network – taking into account relevance, bias and copyright when using information.
ESOL at Jubilee Children’s Centre
October 6, 2021
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 at 1-3pm from the 6th October to the 15th December.
- 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 Level 1
October 6, 2021
Course details
This course runs on Wednesday 10am-3pm starting from the 6th October at High Trees Community Education and Training Hub.
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.
Mindful Mandala Mosaic
October 7, 2021
Course details
A unique meditative mosaic class to encourage creative comfort and mindful flow moments. Working with patterns, colours and intention, you will learn an array of mosaic techniques to help you create your own mosaic mandala.
This is a five week course run every Thursday from 10-1pm from the 7th October to the 11th November.
Maths Functional Skills E2 – L1
October 7, 2021
Course details
Learn how to use Maths in everyday life and gain a qualification in the field!
This accredited course will run on Wednesday 10am till 3.30pm from the 7th October. Upon successful completion you will gain the NCFE LEVEL 1 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 open to all London residents aged 19 +.
Award in Information, Advice and Guidance Level 2 (Accredited)
October 12, 2021
Course details
Gain a specialist qualification in giving advice, information or guidance in any settings (e.g. education, employment support, youth services etc.)
The course runs on Tuesday and Thursday 10am-3pm from the 12th October to the 18th November
Join our course on line via Zoom platform.
Introduction to Community Organising
December 10, 2021
Course details
On this course you will explore and develop your understanding of power, which is what drives community organising: what power means and how power can be built in community to overcome social injustice and create change.
This one session course will take place on Friday 10th December 10am – 5pm at the Adventure Playground. The course also provides a reminder of the basics of community organising which are covered in our Introduction to Community Organising course. Sessions are designed so that everybody can take part and share their ideas and experiences and learn some practical tools and skills.