We offer both accredited courses – such as functional skills and GCSE – and non-accredited courses that can extend and build skills between accredited courses or that are studied for the joy of learning something new, such as creative writing. Functional skills English Levels 1 and 2 are both qualifications that are widely recognised by employers. Level 2 or English GCSE are often essential for access to further or higher education. Some classes are face-to-face and others are delivered online. Courses are offered both during the day and as evening classes. You are bound to find something that suits your lifestyle.
English
Learn English with confidence
At Cumbria Adult Learning, we offer English courses for adult learners at every stage – from pre-entry to Functional Skills and GCSE English Language. Whether you're starting your journey or aiming to gain a qualification for work or further study, we’re here to help you succeed.
Our courses focus on building essential skills in reading, writing, speaking and listening - helping you communicate effectively in everyday life, at work and beyond. You'll develop greater confidence, improve your job prospects and open up new opportunities for personal and professional growth.
We understand that every learner is unique. That’s why we provide tailored support for those with additional needs. Our experienced tutors work with you to create a learning plan that fits your goals and learning style. We offer both online and face-to-face classes.
You’ll find a welcoming, inclusive atmosphere where everyone is valued and encouraged. We pride ourselves on creating a friendly, supportive environment where adult learners of all backgrounds feel comfortable and motivated.
Take the next step towards a brighter future with us. No matter where you start, we’ll help you get where you want to go.
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English courses
Getting started
Our centre managers and their friendly teams will support you to find the right course for you. Once you have enrolled, we will assess you to ensure you are on the right level. We ask that you attend every session and there will be homework to complete in order to consolidate your learning in each lesson. We will let you know early in the course when the exams will be (for accredited courses) so that you can prioritise these dates. Your tutor will support you at every stage. For additional needs we can offer one-to-one support and exam access arrangements. Contact your local team for more information and to arrange an initial assessment.
About out tutors and classes
Our experienced and enthusiastic tutors offer you excellent levels of support and work with you to set and track realistic, but challenging, personal targets. These targets help you to measure your own progress and stretch yourself further. Classes are usually small, allowing our tutors to offer personalised support to each learner. This supportive and learner-focused process has resulted in excellent achievement rates. We regularly achieve results that are much higher than the national average.This is testimony to the hard work of both tutors and learners and we are rightly very proud of this successful collaboration.
Be Inspired…You will be able to:
- Learn or refresh the basics and improve your skills and knowledge;
- Develop your English skills to assist you in your everyday and working life;
- Develop an interest or passion for reading, writing - or both;
- Establish your own starting point and work to achieve your personal goals;
- Gain widely recognised qualifications that are valued by employers;
- Improve other transferable skills such as independent working skills, time-keeping and many more.
View our curriculum plan below to take a look at the progression pathways within the English curriculum. If you are unable to read this document and require further information, please don't hesitate to contact your local Adult Learning Centre who will be happy to discuss it.
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Hear from Our Learners
"I was on the Stepping Stones English Skills programme and in my early 50s. I joined one of the Reader Development groups in August 2018 and didn't believe I could ever improve the standard of my reading and writing, due to dyslexia and significant memory problems. Enrolling on the Stepping Stones E1 course at the end of October 2018, much to my amazement, by May 2019, I had passed all six assessments for Stepping Stones. I've now moved on to Functional Skills English E1 and will progress on to Stepping Stones E2, later next year.