Adult Learning Guide 2025-26
On course
We’re not just in Abingdon & Witney
We offer part-time and evening courses in more than 91 venues across Oxfordshire, including community halls, schools, and at our main college campuses.
David Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) Level 2
Let’s hear from some of our students...
With over 1000 part time and evening courses available, there is no better time to get on course.
We are delighted to share our new Adult Learning Guide with you, packed with fresh opportunities to learn, create, and grow. This year, we’ve launched new courses in Cookery, Homecrafts, Green Skills, Motor Vehicle, and many more!
David works at Lady Nuffield Home in Oxford, managing the home’s three gardens. Eager to learn more, he joined a course to gain formal training in gardening. He combines his passion for gardening with social activities for the residents.
“College is very important to me. The knowledge and passion that Penny and Erika deliver the course with is truly infectious. Seeing their love for plants and their passion for sharing knowledge is so inspirational.”
“Although I found Microsoft complicated, I can now use my laptop more confidently rather than relying only on my mobile phone; this has connected me to a world of memories through photos and documents I’ve rediscovered.”
Sadie | Digital Skills for Life
Our vision is to be a college where everyone achieves more than they believe possible. No matter what your passion, we have plenty of courses to choose from.
Whether you’re looking to retrain for a new career, start a new hobby, embrace a healthier lifestyle, or pick up a new language, we hope you find a course that sparks your interest.
Enjoy reading about some of our brilliant students and staff who help us to achieve the extraordinary.
“The most enjoyable part of the course for me was the speed of learning and the ‘ah-ha’ moments when I realised how much more I could achieve with my DSLR camera than with my phone.”
Robert | Digital DSLR Photography
Course routes
You can visit www.abingdon-witney.ac.uk/part-time-evening to view all of our courses, locations, and fees, including guidance on reduced fees and other useful information.
5
Build
a
14
Unlock your creativity 16 9 20
From drawing and acrylic painting to printmaking, pottery, and glass fusing, we offer plenty of courses that can help you explore your creativity.
wellbeing toolkit
We can help you make the small changes in your day to day life that will add up to enhance your overall sense of wellbeing.
Look out for our reduced fees
Develop your green skills
We offer a range of courses that cover topics such as climate change, renewable energy systems, energy efficiency, and carbon management.
Are
you
looking for a hands-on skill?
From learning how to maintain a bicycle to DIY around the house, we have plenty of ways you can learn to become more self-sufficient, catching problems before they become too big
What about a professional course?
Whether you are looking for a change of direction or are returning to study after some time away, our flexible courses could be just what you are looking for.
Reduced or free adult learning opportunities are available for those meeting our eligibility criteria. These include being on income-related benefits, earning a low wage, or pursuing specific qualifications. Fee reduction is based on the individual. Some fees cannot be reduced due to the type of course offered; where this occurs N/A (not applicable) will appear in the reduced fee box.
If you believe you may meet these criteria please call us on 01235 216 400 prior to enrolment to talk through your options.
Employability courses
We have FREE Employability courses taking place in Oxfordshire throughout the year, with the following themes:
• CV and personal statements
• Identify your skills
• Rejuvenate your job search
• How to get that job
• Invigorate your interview skills
• Write effective applications
You can then move on to courses to further explore your options around work, volunteering or further training.
We are happy to offer advice and get you on the right course for you.
If you are interested in attending a course, please contact us by email enquiries@abingdon-witney.ac.uk
English and maths GCSE, and Functional Skills for adults
Are you aged 19+ and looking to develop your English and maths skills? Join our Functional Skills and GCSE courses.
Our Functional Skills and GCSE courses are lively, intensive, rewarding, and most importantly, very different to how you would have been taught in your school years. The courses are free if you do not already have grade C or above (or an equivalent qualification) and you meet the eligibility criteria which will be confirmed upon enquiring.
For further details, or to book an appointment go to our website www.abingdon-witney.ac.uk/part-time/english-maths-for-adults
Where to find our venues
You can visit our website to view all our locations, or ask our Admissions team at the point of enrolling. www.abingdon-witney.ac.uk/ oxfordshire-adult-learning/oal-venues
All course information and fees are correct at the time of going
Please visit our website for a full course listing and further information www.abingdon-witney.ac.uk/part-time-evening
© Abingdon & Witney College 2025.
“Studying on the ESOL course has really helped my progress in English. I feel more confident and have secured a better job as a result. I’m proud of how much I’ve improved, as my progress has surpassed what I expected.”
Determined to improve, Alexandra enrolled with us to enhance her English. She completed a year-long Entry 2 ESOL course and passed three exams, and is now nearing the completion of an Entry 3 ESOL course while working as a senior nursery practitioner.
English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) classes
An English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) class is for any adult UK resident who does not have English as their main language.
Courses take 8-13 weeks to complete each term. The qualification covers: speaking and listening, reading, and writing.
We deliver from venues in Oxford, Abingdon, and Witney.
For further details, or to book an appointment go to our website: www.abingdon-witney.ac.uk/part-time/esol
Financial Support
Don’t let the course fees put you off studying. We have an Adult Bursary Fund available to help you with the cost of your studies.
For further details please see our website: www.abingdon-witney.ac.uk/support/fees-bursaries
Call Admissions on 01235 216 400
Alexandra ESOL
Alexandra arrived in the UK in 2018 with limited English skills.
Animal Care & Management
Horticulture & Floristry
Gardening Through the Seasons
Gardening Through the Seasons – Award s
Gardening Through the Seasons – Accredited s
Art & Design
Glass
-
Glass Fusion - Festive Decorations - Workshop s
Glass Fusion - Fused Glass Garden Lanterns - Workshop s P02686
Glass Fusion - Fused Glass Projects - Workshop s
Glass Fusion - Introduction to Glass Fusion - Workshop s
Glass Fusion - Kiln Carving and Metal Inclusions - Workshop s
Glass Fusion - Mosaic Glass Fusing - Workshop s P02697
Glass Fusion - Set of 4 Mondrian Coasters - Workshop s P02696 13/06/26
Illustration for Children’s Picture Books s
Life Drawing s
Mixed Media Painting - March Hare - Workshop s
P02681
Art & Design continued
Photography
Photography
French Patisserie - Beginners -
French Patisserie -
Cookery
French Patisserie - Advanced - Workshop
Fresh Pasta and Sauces
Indian Vegetarian - Beginners
Indian Vegetarian - Improvers
Indian Vegetarian - Snacks
Indian Vegetarian - Snacks -
Introduction to Bread Making - Workshop
Introduction
Naturally Gluten Free -
Nutritious Seasonal Plant-Based Dishes P02732
Pies and Pastries
Sourdough and Speciality Bread
Homecrafts
Linoprinting - Workshop s P02705
P02701
Monoprint - Workshop s
Sewing - Alterations and Making the Old Look New - Workshop
Sewing - Block Pattern Making - Bodice - 2 Day Workshop
Sewing - Block Pattern Making - Dresses - Workshop
Sewing - Block Pattern Making - Skirts - Workshop
Sewing - Block Pattern Making - Trousers -
Sewing – Create a Gifting Bag - Workshop s
Sewing - Creative Cushions and Bags - Workshop
Sewing - Creative Stitching and Simple Embroidery for Relaxation s
Sewing - Dressmaking - Beginners
- Dressmaking - Improvers
Sewing - Dressmaking - Advanced
Sewing -
-
Sewing Stretch Fabrics - Using Overlocker -
Silver Jewellery - Bold Pendant - Workshop s
Silver Jewellery - Festive Decorations - Workshop s
Silver Jewellery - Large Looped Chain - Workshop s
Silver Jewellery - Spinner Ring - Workshop s
Weaving - Introduction to Rigid Heddle Weaving - Workshop
n
FREE Family Learning classes across Oxfordshire
The Family Learning Team are offering FREE online workshops and courses to support you with your child’s education, development, and behaviour. Courses include:
Year 5 and 6 Maths for Parents
Struggling to help with your child’s maths homework? Wondering why it’s all done differently these days? Join our free friendly, informal sessions for parents to get to grips with the way maths is taught in primary schools today.
Managing Children’s Feelings and Behaviour
Struggling to manage difficult behaviour? You are not alone! These free courses and workshops aim to support you in handling tricky situations, knowing you are doing the best for you and your child. Topics covered include emotional regulation, positive discipline and setting boundaries. We also deliver a variety of parenting courses through your local primary school or family centre—just ask what’s on offer!
For more information about these courses visit: www.abingdon-witney.ac.uk/part-time/family-learning Call 01235 216 278 or email oal@abingdon-witney.ac.uk
Complementary Therapies
Mindful Running - Harnessing Mind and Body for a Balanced Run
Exercise & Wellbeing
Mindfulness Walk
Move and Connect - Fitness in the Park
Look out for our reduced fees
Courses for Carers: Learning together, caring together
Exercise & Wellbeing continued
Pilates for Balance and Poise
Discover our exciting wellbeing programme—offering everything from yoga and mindful walks to creative writing, sleep wellness, and more. There’s something for everyone, with courses designed to support your mind, body, and emotional growth.
The programme focuses on nurturing wellbeing through three main themes of Mind, Body and Growth:
Mind focuses on mental health, including stress management and mindfulness.
• Body focuses on physical health through fitness, nutrition, and self-care.
Growth centres on emotional wellbeing, through connectionbuilding activities, reflective practices, and creative outlets.
The FREE Courses for Carers programme that has been developed in partnership with Action for Carers specifically for unpaid carers. If you are looking after someone who has a long-term illness, special need, or impairment, we can help you care for a loved one, by ensuring you care for yourself as you do so. For more information about the courses visit: www.abingdon-witney.ac.uk/part-time/courses-for-carers Call 01235 216 278 or email oal@abingdon-witney.ac.uk
Yoga and Relaxation for MS P09525
Beauty Therapy, Hairdressing & Barbering
Computing & Digital Technologies
Meet some of our staff...
“ Teaching tomorrow’s electricians is a privilege, we are creating the future workers and leaders who will shape the electrical and construction industry. ”
It’s more than a tagline, it embodies our whole approach!
At Abingdon & Witney College we passionately believe that you are more likely to achieve your potential if you are enjoying life as a student.
That’s why we prioritise giving you the space to be yourself, and helping you make the most of your time with us by showing you all the opportunities that are open to you.
“
“ I have taught in several countries previously, from secondary to university level. I have been teaching ESOL for 22 years.”
My advice to a potential learner would be to just do it! Make the jump and be brave.
It could become a new passion, you could make new friends, it could become a job. The opportunities are endless. ”
“ Learning alongside others is incredibly fulfilling and rewarding. It’s a great way to grow and connect with like-minded people!”
91 locations
We’re proud to offer a diverse and expansive range of courses, helping adults across Oxfordshire to find new hobbies, learn new skills, and get new qualifications.
Candida Javaid Coaching/Mentoring Lecturer
Steve Butcher Electrical/Net Zero Lecturer
Amy Cotton Community Learning Lecturer
Patrick McLaughlin ESOL Lecturer
“ I view my role as a facilitator, encouraging learners to produce work which is both stimulating and exciting. ”
Jan Jarosz Lecturer Digital Photography
“Learning improves our confidence and can be great for our social, mental and physical well-being.”
SOME STUDENTS HAVE THEIR SAY
“My
tutor was very knowledgeable and able to explain concepts very well. I enjoyed that it was a small learning group and found it very interactive.”
Scott Lecturer/Technician, Floristry
We have over
courses to choose from
New courses added!
“I’ve learnt a lot from my very knowledgeable tutor and have seen my artwork continually develop and improve, that’s why I keep returning.”
97
Our oldest student
Did you know our oldest student in Oxfordshire Adult Learning joined us last year at the spritely age of 97 years old, proving you’re never to old to learn!
Courses for Adults with Learning Differences
We run exciting and inclusive short courses for adults with learning differences. These are courses in cookery, art, gardening, health and wellbeing, and lots more.
We work with Oxford United in the Community to put on weekly inclusive football sessions, and with The Pumphouse Project in Faringdon, serving customers at their café.
There are also a range of music and dance courses where you can learn to play musical instruments and different styles of dance.
To see our range of courses go to the Abingdon & Witney College website and search ‘Adults with Learning Differences’ to see the courses in Easy Read. Courses run each term and last for ten weeks.
To book your place email accesstolearning-ald@abingdon-witney.ac.uk or call 01235 216 493.
As part of the English Football League’s (EFL) Community Weekends, local heroes were celebrated for the impact they make in their communities.
One of those recognised was our very own Dr Lee Humber, our Adults with Learning Differences (ALD) Course Leader.
Dr Lee Humber and students
Erika
Nikki Lambert | Lambert Home Builds Heat Pump Technology
Glenn Larder Drawing and Painting
Bicester Construction Skills Centre
Call 01235 541 111 or email bicestercsc@abingdon-witney.ac.uk
Net Zero Skills Hub
Apprenticeships
ACS Gas Assessment Centre
Carpentry & Joinery (Level 2 and 3)
Gas Engineering Operative (Level 3)
Electrical Installation (Level 3)
Plumbing & Heating (Level 3)
Gas Centre initial training and re-assessments available CCN1 accreditation, appliances, LPG, unvented hot water and water regulations.
Property Maintenance (Level 2)
Free parking on site, easy access by public transport.
01235 541 111 • bicestercsc@abingdon-witney.ac.uk
Call 01235 216 216 or email apprenticeships@abingdon-witney. ac.uk
Unit 2-5 Arkwright Park, 126 Churchill Road, Bicester, OX26 4XD
Apprenticeships
• Carpentry & Joinery (Level 2 and 3)
• Gas Engineering Operative (Level 3)
• Electrical Installation (Level 3)
• Plumbing & Heating (Level 3)
• Property Maintenance (Level 2)
01235 216 216 • apprenticeships@abingdon-witney.ac.uk
Unit 2-5 Arkwright Park, 126 Churchill Road, Bicester, Oxfordshire OX26 4XD
Net Zero Skills Hub continued
P12399
Single and Three-Phase Safe Isolation Qualification n P12421 01/09/25 09:00 -
Suspended Timber Floors - Insulation & Airtight Sealing n P12312 05/08/25 09:00 -
Sustainability and the Green Environment - Level 2 n
Water
Windows - Airtight Sealing of Replacement and Existing n
DIY & Construction
Introduction to Domestic Electrical Repairs
Learn How to Maintain Your
Motor Vehicle
Look out for our reduced fees
Earn while you learn
…on an Apprenticeship with our brilliant employers!
Apprenticeships offer you the opportunity to get hands-on practical work experience while working towards the same qualifications you would get if you went to college or university full time.
We’re passionate about providing apprenticeships that we know work for both our students and our employers, from Level 2 through to degree level. Our apprenticeship provision is rated ‘Outstanding’ by OFSTED and everyday our dedicated team work to uphold this standard.
When you start an apprenticeship with Abingdon & Witney College, we help you with every step of the process; doing everything we can to support and guide you through your apprenticeship and as you prepare for your next steps.
“My employer has been so supportive of me applying for an apprenticeship. I was really interested in doing a CIPD qualification, so it was great to have the opportunity to develop myself. I’ve overcome a lot to get here, so passing it is a real milestone for me.”
Claire HR Apprentice University of
Oxford
We provide apprenticeships in:
Accounting | Autocare | Business Administration
Carpentry & Joinery | Chartered Management
Computing & IT Solutions | Construction Management
Customer Service | Early Years | Electrical Installation
Engineering | Horticulture | Human Resources
Marketing | Plumbing & Heating Property Maintenance | Team Leadership
Get in touch with our Apprenticeship Team today, call 01235 216
Arabic - Beginners
P10518
Arabic - Improvers
Chinese (Mandarin) - Beginners
Chinese (Mandarin) - Developing Conversational
Chinese (Mandarin) -
French - Improvers
French - Intermediate
French -
French - Developing Conversational Fluency
French - Mastering Conversational Fluency
Language Level Breakdown
Beginners – Year 1 You are a complete beginner who is learning how to get by and building up confidence.
Improvers – Year 1 You have completed Beginners – Year 1 with us or approximately 50 hours of learning elsewhere and are familiar with the present tense.
Intermediate – Year 3 You have completed previous level courses with us and/or have 120 hours of learning and are familiar with past and present tenses.
Higher Intermediate – Year 4 You have completed previous level courses with us and/or have 180 hours of learning.
Developing Conversational You have completed 4 years of study with us and/or Fluency – Year 5 have 240 hours of learning and have learnt the main tenses. Here there is a focus on understanding and making yourself understood in a wide range of increasingly unpredictable situations.
Mastering Conversational You have already completed a Working Towards and Fluency – Year 6 Becoming Fluent – Year 7 Fluency course and/or have 300 hours of learning and feel confident with the main tenses
German - Beginners
German - Intermediate
German - Developing Conversational Fluency
Languages continued
Greek - Beginners P10559
Greek - Improvers
Italian - Mastering Conversational Fluency
Look out for our reduced fees
Reduced or free adult learning opportunities are available for those meeting our eligibility criteria. These include being on income-related benefits, earning a low wage, or pursuing specific qualifications. Fee reduction is based on the individual. Some fees cannot be reduced due to the type of course offered; where this occurs N/A (not applicable) will appear in the reduced fee box. If you believe you may meet these criteria please call us on 01235 216 400 prior to enrolment, to talk through your options.
Japanese - Beginners
Languages continued
-
Spanish - Intermediate
Where to find our venues
You can visit our website to view all our locations, or ask our Admissions team at the point of enrolling.
Languages continued
Spanish
Accounting & Finance
Chartered Institute of Personnel Development (CIPD)
Unlock your potential with Professional Courses
Are you looking to advance your career and explore new opportunities?
Whether you’re seeking to upskill in your current field or explore an entirely new path, enrolling in a professional course could be the boost your career deserves.
Why choose us?
•
•
Learn
What you’ll get: Practical knowledge
• Professional accreditation
• Networking opportunities
Explore
Teacher & Assessor Training
Higher Education & Undergraduate
Childhood Studies - BA (Hons) - Top Up Year n
Creative
Cyber Security Engineer - HNC - Year 1 of 2 n
Undergraduate: Stay local and stay focused
Undergraduate level courses are closer than you think, thanks to our partnership with Oxford Brookes University.
• Foundation Degrees
• Honours Degrees
Why Choose Us?
• Small class sizes
• Flexible study options
HNCs and HNDs
We also offer a range of Higher National Diplomas (HNDs) and Certificates (HNCs) in:
• Animal Zoology and Conservation HND
• Engineering HNCs (HTQs)
• Construction Management HNC (HTQ)
Did you know?
• Equine Performance HND
• Computing HNCs (HTQs)
These HTQs are also available as Higher Apprenticeships!
Higher Technical Qualifications (HTQs) have been developed by employers and awarding bodies to give you the right training, knowledge and essential skills that you need in the workplace.
You can apply to these courses via: www.abingdon-witney.ac.uk
Start your professional journey with us
Our professional courses are accredited by respected industry bodies including the Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT), Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD), and the Institute of Leadership and Management (ILM).
Explore our range of professional courses and find the one that’s perfect for you.
For a full list of our undergraduate and professional courses see pages 20-23 and find out more about all the courses online: www.abingdon-witney.ac.uk/undergraduate-professional
Hear what our students say:
I really enjoyed the insightful discussions with my classmates, as well as motivating each another to meet deadlines. We also had a lot of fun in the last three years!
The College provided me with continuous support throughout my course; encouraging my ideas and making me feel that I was good enough to achieve the results I wanted.
Health, Social Care & Early Years
Music & Performance
Counselling
Kick Start Your Singing Voice
Institute of Leadership & Management (ILM)
Music
Looking to join the College?
Whether you have just left school, you are looking to get back into education, or you are finding A Levels aren’t really your thing – there are plenty of reasons to come and join us.
Visit www.abingdon-witney.ac.uk to find out more.
New courses for September
We have introduced two new T-Levels:
• Marketing
• Design, Surveying and Planning for Construction
Also new for this year are two Level 4 courses:
• Advanced Aesthetic Treatments
• Creative Enterprise
New Apprenticeships:
• Construction Site Supervisor
• Content Creator
• Electrical Installation and Maintenance
• Multi-Channel Marketer
Join us for our Exam Results Drop-in Days
We’re open on GCSE and A-Level Results Day. Come along to our Abingdon and Witney campuses to discuss your options and apply for a course starting this September.
Thursday 14th August T-Level results
10:00am – 4:00pm at our Abingdon and Witney campuses
Thursday 21st August GCSE results | Drop in Day 10:00am – 7:00pm at our Abingdon and Witney campuses
Friday 22nd August GCSE results | Drop in Day 10:00am – 4:00pm at our Abingdon and Witney campuses
Thinking of a career change? Come and join us!
At Abingdon & Witney College we pride ourselves on creating an innovative, fun working environment which allows our staff to make a real difference to people’s lives and their communities.
Our vision is to be a college where everyone achieves more than they believe possible, and we are ambitious for our students, staff, community, and partner organisations.
As a growing college, we are always on the lookout for new talent to join our team, with vacancies in curriculum roles, including: tutors, LSAs, technicians and student support. We also have business support roles including: IT services, finance, estate management, and many more!
Share your construction skills
This year we have increased our construction provison and are looking for more staff to work with us in Abingdon, Witney and Bicester. We have vacancies for staff with expertise in: Carpentry (both Site and Architectural), Electrical Installation and Plumbing.
What next?
We recruit throughout the year, so if you are looking for a new challenge, take a look at our vacancies on our website, contact People Services on 01235 216 424, or email helpmehr@abingdon-witney.ac.uk
