Adult Learning: Three arms, one mission, endless opportunities

Adult Learning: More Than You Think — Three Arms, One Mission

placeholder image — Transforming you, your community and your future | Northants Adult Learning

When most people hear “Adult Learning,” they picture the brochure that used to drop through the letterbox — cooking classes, crafts, maybe a language course. And yes, that is us… but we are also so much more.

Adult Learning is one service with three distinct arms, all working closely together to support local residents, employers and communities across North Northamptonshire.

Arm 1: PCDL – The Courses You Know and Love

These are the courses many people recognise — the ones traditionally found in the brochure.
They include creative, leisure and personal development classes, and while they are chargeable, many learners qualify for remitted fees. PCDL remains a vibrant part of our offer, helping people learn new skills, meet new people and stay connected.

Arm 2: Tailored Learning – Flexible, Community‑Focused Provision

Our Tailored Learning arm works directly with partners across the county to design learning that meets very specific needs.
This provision is non‑regulated, flexible and responsive, shaped around communities, employers and individuals.

Whether it’s supporting a local charity, delivering confidence‑building workshops, or working with employers to upskill staff, Tailored Learning is about removing barriers and opening doors.

Arm 3: Adult Skills & Study Programme – Accredited Learning and Life‑Changing Progression

This arm delivers accredited courses from Pre‑Entry level all the way up to Level 2, with Level 3 pathways currently in development. These qualifications help adults move into work, change career, progress to college or university, or simply gain the confidence to take the next step.

But Arm 3 is also home to something many people don’t realise Adult Learning provides:

The Study Programme — supporting young NEETs back into education

Our Study Programme works with young people who are Not in Education, Employment or Training (NEET), helping them rebuild confidence, gain qualifications and take meaningful steps forward.

This is a fundamental part of our service, addressing a growing national and local challenge — and we are proud of our success.

For several years, we have achieved 100% achievement in English.

The vast majority of our learners leave no longer NEET, progressing into:

Apprenticeships
College
Employment
Further training

The Study Programme is changing lives, one learner at a time.

A Service That Offers Far More Than People Realise

Did you know Adult Learning offers:

Early Years Practitioner
Health & Social Care
Employability Skills
Lean Management
Counselling
English
Maths
ESOL
Digital Skills
Mentoring
Personal Progression
…and the list keeps growing.

We also have IAG (Information, Advice & Guidance) specialists who can help you choose the right pathway — whether your goal is university, a new job, a promotion, or simply a fresh start.

Working With Employers and Strengthening Communities

Adult Learning is deeply rooted in the community.
We work with partners across North Northamptonshire to strengthen local provision and support economic growth.

Recent collaborations include working with companies like GXO to upskill their workforce, helping employees gain new qualifications and progress in their careers.

We Are Here for Everyone

Whether you’re: