Courses for self-development 

Find a new you. Explore your options. Set goals. Get ready to face the future. Our range of self-development courses can help bring out the best in you. Build your life skills and develop skills for independent living. 

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Gain life skills through adult education

Learn more about driving in the UK and take a course to help you pass your driving theory test. Find courses for all aspects of self-development. Discover ways to break bad habits and learn good habits. Find hands-on ways to become more organised. Find anger management courses to help you deal with emotions in a healthier way. 

A classroom where life experience counts just as much  

Discover supportive and friendly classes, where your life experience is valued. Our courses are for everyone, and you’ll learn in a way that works for you. 

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Retirement Planning

Are you approaching retirement age? Navigating the lifestyle change that retirement brings can be tricky. This retirement planning course aims to prepare you and your family for the changes that retirement brings. Its objective is to help you through the transition with ease so that you can enjoy this new phase of life. This short course will also help you gain an understanding of retirement planning services that exist to help you. This retirement planning training course covers personal planning and financial planning. Understand the emotional and personal changes that retirement brings. Consider how to plan your time and manage your relationships to maintain your emotional well-being. Is retirement really what it’s cracked up to be? Are you ready to retire? Research suggests that many people struggle to adjust to retirement although they may have been looking forward to it. How can we prepare ourselves effectively for this new phase of our lives? You may be someone who has always hankered to pursue a new career, volunteering or developing a new interest and would like the opportunity to fine tune and test out your ideas. We will be looking at your views about retirement, what some of the pitfalls might be, where you might start to look for financial planning advice, health, work and volunteering opportunities. Join us to explore this wonderful opportunity to have the time of your life!

Course Information

Dates:
Wed 29/01/2025 -
Wed 29/01/2025
Times:
6:30pm - 9:30pm
Duration:
1 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Kate Antoniou
Course code:
Q00012168
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £11.10

Personal Development: Everyday Life Skills - Interpersonal Skills

Have you always wanted to become more skilful when communicating with others? This course will help you to understand what is meant by interpersonal skills and how to be more effective when interacting with other people in a variety of situations. Every individual has a personal style and an interpersonal style. Some people are more successful than others at using interpersonal skills for specific, desired results. This course will offer you the opportunity to practice speaking in different life situations, helping you to gain confidence and be more prepared for the conversations you may find most challenging, including interviews and/or difficult conversations with the people who are close to you.

Course Information

Dates:
Tue 25/02/2025 -
Tue 22/04/2025
Times:
1:00pm - 5:00pm
Duration:
9 sessions
Location:
NST Hub (North Somerset Training Communi
31 Alexandra Parade
Weston-super-Mare
BS23 1QZ
Tutor:
Katie Dexter
Course code:
Q00017750
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
7 places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £189.00

Personal Development: Public speaking

Unleash your inner speaker. On this 7-Week Public Speaking Journey This course will empower you to conquer your public speaking fears and deliver impactful presentations with confidence. You'll master the fundamentals of public speaking, gain practical experience through peer feedback sessions, and develop the skills to captivate any audience.

Course Information

Dates:
Wed 26/02/2025 -
Wed 02/04/2025
Times:
10:00am - 12:00pm
Duration:
12 sessions
Location:
KCU Ltd at Fuller Church (Kettering)
51 Gold Street
Kettering
NN16 8JB
Tutor:
Caroline Smy
Course code:
Q00016745
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £58.80

Pre-Entry English: Driving theory part 2

This driving theory course part 2 will help you to master the essentials of driving theory in English with this comprehensive course! Get ready for your learner's permit test with confidence by building a strong foundation in road rules, traffic signs, and safe driving practices.

Course Information

Dates:
Thu 27/02/2025 -
Thu 27/03/2025
Times:
7:00pm - 9:00pm
Duration:
5 sessions
Location:
Online
Tutor:
Nadia Belmajdoub
Course code:
Q00016746
How you'll learn:
Online
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £37.00

ÅÝܽ¶ÌÊÓƵ Membership

For just £15 a year, you can:

  • Join our popular, award-winning weekly lecture series,
  • Access an archive of over 100 past lectures,
  • Get priority online and phone booking for autumn courses (England only),
  • Receive our Highway magazine and access back issues,
  • Attend our members’ annual conference.

Just add us to your basket to sign up today!

Membership Information

Duration:
12 months
Fee:
£15

Personal Development: Bushcraft and Conservation

Learn essential bushcraft skills while exploring the principles of conservation with our Personal Development: Bushcraft and Conservation course. Ideal for outdoor enthusiasts and anyone interested in sustainable living and wilderness survival.

Course Information

Dates:
Thu 27/02/2025 -
Thu 03/04/2025
Times:
9:30am - 1:00pm
Duration:
6 sessions
Location:
Rector's Way Allotments (Weston-super-Ma
Rectors Way
Weston-super-Mare
BS23 3NP
Tutor:
Matt Doolan
Course code:
Q00017817
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £88.20

Personal development: Accessing services within the UK

This course is for those who wish to develop their knowledge and understanding of how to access a variety of services within the UK. Ever wondered who,what and where you can get support from to complete forms such as housing applications, how to make a Universal Credit claimandmuch more. This course may lead to further training support to develop your English skills to build confidence and knowledge. This course is funded by the West Midlands Combined Authority.

Course Information

Dates:
Fri 21/03/2025 -
Fri 18/04/2025
Times:
11:45am - 1:45pm
Duration:
5 sessions
Location:
New Hope Global (Birmingham)
Birchfield Library (2nd floor)
3 Trinity Road
Birmingham
B6 6AH
Tutor:
Saima Gulzar
Course code:
Q00015672
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £42.00

Personal Development: Everyday life skills

Develop essential life skills with our Personal Development: Everyday Life Skills course. Learn practical skills for managing daily tasks, improving communication, and building self-confidence. Ideal for individuals looking to enhance their independence and quality of life.

Course Information

Dates:
Tue 22/04/2025 -
Tue 24/06/2025
Times:
1:00pm - 3:00pm
Duration:
9 sessions
Location:
Guild House (Plymouth)
Guild House
156 Mannamead Road
Plymouth
PL3 5QL
Tutor:
Peter Childs
Course code:
Q00016151
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £75.60

Personal Development: DIY Skills in the Outdoors

Gain practical outdoor skills with our Personal Development: DIY Skills in the Outdoors course. Learn how to build, repair, and create in an outdoor setting, using tools and materials available in nature. Ideal for individuals looking to enhance their self-sufficiency and enjoy the outdoors.

Course Information

Dates:
Thu 24/04/2025 -
Thu 22/05/2025
Times:
9:30am - 1:00pm
Duration:
5 sessions
Location:
Rector's Way Allotments (Weston-super-Ma
Rectors Way
Weston-super-Mare
BS23 3NP
Tutor:
Matt Doolan
Course code:
Q00017818
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £73.50

Personal Development: Individual Growth and Self-awareness

The course focuses on self-reflection, discovery, and skill-building to enhance personal growth and enable individuals to thrive in various aspects of life. It enables learners to explore their own interests and talents, by nurturing aspects of themselves that can fulfil their self-esteem and create positive mindset, which essentially will grant them personal independence for both work and personal life. Throughout this transformative journey, participants will build strong foundations and be empowered with the tools and insights to navigate life with confidence and independence. Alongside personal development, learners will also be supported to develop and improve written and spoken English.

Course Information

Dates:
Tue 06/05/2025 -
Tue 15/07/2025
Times:
12:30pm - 2:30pm
Duration:
10 sessions
Location:
Millan Centre (Bradford)
Victor Street
Bradford
BD9 4RA
Tutor:
Tanzeela Javid
Course code:
Q00015333
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £84.00

Personal Development: Build your resilience

Feeling overwhelmed by life's constant challenges? This 7-week emotional resilience course equips you with powerful tools to navigate uncertainty and build inner strength. Explore how your thoughts, emotions, and experiences influence your mental wellbeing and overall resilience. Discover effective coping strategies to manage stress, stay positive, and communicate effectively in your social circles. By examining your life perspective and approach, you'll gain the confidence to recharge your batteries and cultivate a more positive outlook.

Course Information

Dates:
Tue 03/06/2025 -
Tue 15/07/2025
Times:
10:00am - 12:00pm
Duration:
14 sessions
Location:
KCU Ltd at Fuller Church (Kettering)
51 Gold Street
Kettering
NN16 8JB
Tutor:
Caroline Smy
Course code:
Q00016764
How you'll learn:
In venue
Availability:
10+ places remaining
Status:
Available
Fee range
Free to £58.80