Adult education
The St Martin’s Learning Centre is currently being renovated, all our courses are running as usual from the High Trees Education Hub. Find directions here
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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Abellio Trainee Bus Driver Pre-Employment Training
April 4, 2022
Course details
Abellio are looking for TraineePCV Bus Drivers for South London.
This 5-day course will provide applicants with skills to support them into a PCV Bus Driver role with Abellio. The training will cover:
- A Day in the Life of a Bus Driver
- Customer Service the Abellio Way
- Work Place Expectations and Behaviours
- Health & Safety
- Interview Training
- Application Support
To register for this course you need to:
- Hold a Driving Licence and have one-year driving experience in the UK
- Have no previous drink driving convictions in the last 5 years
- No more than 6 penalty points
Abellio Bus Driver Pre-Employment Training
April 4, 2022
Course details
Abellio are looking for PCV Bus Drivers for South London.
This course will provide applicants with skills to support them into a PCV Bus Driver role with Abellio. To register for this course you need to:
- Hold a PCV driving licence with one-year experience driving in the UK
- Have no previous drink driving convictions in the last 5 years
- No more than 6 penalty points
Africology
April 20, 2022
Course details
This interactive course will give you an introduction to Africology, the study of African phenomena. This course will explore these themes and more.
This course will run on Wednesdays 6-9 pm at High Trees Community Education and Training Hub.
Preparation to Maths Functional Skills L1
April 21, 2022
Course details
This is a preparation course to get your skills and knowledge ready for Maths L1. This one day course runs on the 21st of April from 10 am – 4.30 pm 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 Qualifications 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 +.
ESOL Entry 1
April 25, 2022
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 Monday 10am – 3pm from the 25th April to the 11th July 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!
English Functional Skills E3
April 26, 2022
Course details
This course runs on Tuesday 9.30am – 3pm from the 26th April to the 12th July 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 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 3
April 28, 2022
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-1pm from the 28th April to the 14th July 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 advanced level. Our ESOL courses are fun, engaging and accessible!
Maths Functional Skills L1
April 28, 2022
Course details
Learn how to use Maths in everyday life and gain a qualification in the field!
This accredited course will run on Thursday 10am – 3.30pm from the 28th April to the 14th July at the High Trees Community Education and Training Hub. 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 is open to all London residents aged 19 +.
Family ESOL Learn & Play
April 28, 2022
Course details
Bring your child along to our Family Learn and Play sessions. Practice your English with our tutors and meet other Parents! This course runs Thursday 1.30pm – 3pm from the 28th April to the 7th July at the Tulse Hill Adventure Playground.
ESOL Conversation Club
April 29, 2022
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 the 29th April to the 8th July at the Tulse Hill Adventure Playground. Our ESOL courses are fun, engaging and accessible!
ESOL Pre-Entry
May 3, 2022
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 – 12pm from the 3rd of May to the 12th July 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 support with their teacher.
Award in Information, Advice and Guidance Level 2 (Accredited)
May 3, 2022
Course details
Gain a specialist qualification in giving advice, information or guidance in any setting (e.g. education, employment support, youth services etc.)
The course runs on Tuesday and Wednesday from 10am – 3pm from the 3rd of May till the 14th of June online via Zoom.
ESOL Entry 2
May 4, 2022
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 4th May to the 13th July 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 advanced 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.
ICT Entry 2
May 5, 2022
Course details
This course runs on Thursday 10am – 3pm from the 5th May to the 14th July 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.
ESOL at Benton’s Lane Children’s Centre
May 6, 2022
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 9.30am – 11.30am from the 6th May to the 15th July at Benton’s Lane Children Centre, SE27 9UD
- 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 7, 2022
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 10am to 1pm from the 7th May to the 16th July 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!
Yoga for Mindfulness
May 9, 2022
Course details
This course focuses on yoga practice, mediation and breathing exercises for relaxation and stress reduction. This class runs every Monday 6 pm – 8 pm from the 9th of May to the 4th of July at the High Trees Education & Training Hub
ICT Entry 1-3
May 9, 2022
Course details
This course runs on Monday 10 am – 3 pm from the 9th of May to the 18th of July at High Trees Community Education and Training Hub.
The Level 2 Functional Skills in ICT course is the equivalent of grade 4 (C) at the 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.
Information, Advice & Guidance for Youth Workers
May 9, 2022
Course details
Gain a specialist qualification in giving advice, information or guidance that will improve your career prospects!
This course will run from the High Trees Community Education & Training from Monday 9th May.
Mindful Mandala Mosaic
May 11, 2022
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 is a five-week course runs every Wednesday 9.30 am – 12 pm starting on the 11th May until the 22nd June at the High Trees Community Education & Training Hub.
ESOL at Hitherfield Children’s Centre
May 12, 2022
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 Thursday 9.30 am – 11.30 am from the 12th of May until the 21st of July at Hitherfield Children’s Centre, SW16 2LW.
- 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
Care Worker Pre-Employment Training with Holistic Care
May 23, 2022
Course details
This course will provide applicants with skills to support them into a Care Worker role with Holistic Care. All Applicants will receive a guaranteed interview on completion 5 day Pre Employment Zoom Training delivered by High Trees and Holistic Care at the St Martin’s Scout Hut, SW2 3PU
Art of Confident Speaking
May 26, 2022
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 Friday from 10:00 am – 4:30 pm at the High Trees Community Education & Training Hub.
One Day Food & Hygiene Level 2
May 26, 2022
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 Thursday 10am – 4.30pm (the date is to be confirmed) at the High Trees Community Education & Training Hub.
Introduction to Community Organising
May 27, 2022
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 the community to overcome social injustice and create change.
This one-session course will take place on Friday 10am to 5pm at the Tulse Hill Adventure Playground (date to be confirmed). 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.
Award in Education and Training Level 3
May 27, 2022
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 you will gain awareness of key principles, methodology and practice of teaching.
This course will run on Friday 10am-3pm (the date is to be confirmed) 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 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.
Digital Skills for Everyday Life Beginner
June 20, 2022
Course details
This course runs on Monday 10am – 1pm starting on the 20th June until the 11th July at the High Trees Community Education & Training Hub.
Award in Preparing to Work in School Level 1
June 20, 2022
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.
CIH Level 3 Housing Practice
June 20, 2022
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 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..
Digital Skills for Everyday Life E3
June 21, 2022
Course details
This course runs on Tuesdays 10am – 1pm from the 21st of June to the 12th July at the High Trees Community Education & Training Hub.
Finance Skills for Everyday Life
July 12, 2022
Course details
This course will run on Tuesday 10am – 3.30pm from the 12th July to the 19th July at the High Trees Community Education & Training Hub.