The Royal Borough of Greenwich provides adult and community learning (ACL) through the Greenwich Learns platform. We bring together a range of training and employment partners to help Royal Greenwich residents retrain for work or career development, upskill life skills, start or grow a business, or enrich personal development. Find your inspiration on this website and take the next step in your learning journey.
There are many good reasons to learn something new. Maybe you want to explore your talents as a creative person; train for a new career or business venture; or improve your life skills including English and maths. Having the right skills and qualifications can make it easier to get a better or higher paying job. Learning can improve your confidence, health and well-being; it is also a great way to get out and meet new people in your local community.
There is a huge range of short courses for adults in locations throughout the Royal Borough of Greenwich, London, delivered for the Council by trusted partner organisations who have experience of training adults with all levels of skills, ability and knowledge. Our short courses vary from a few hours to multiple days and run at different times to suit those with care commitments.
However you want to make a change in your life, Greenwich Learns may have just the right course for you. There is lots of information here to help you start, develop and progress your learning journey, with direct links to the training partners so you can check eligibility and book on a course. Learning is for everyone, at any age or stage of life. Greenwich Learns has courses that can help you take the next step. It’s never too late to learn.
We’re committed to making learning accessible to everyone. Contact us to discuss any support you may need, including accessibility requirements, language support, or financial assistance.
Free courses
Most of our courses are fully funded for Royal Greenwich residents. Once you have found a course topic you are interested in, you will be directed to the appropriate training partner where you can check your eligibility for funding.
Some practical courses may require you to purchase materials, which will be explained during enrolment.
All courses are booked directly through our training partners’ websites.
How much do courses cost?
Free courses include:
English
Maths
English for speakers of other languages (ESOL)
Access to employment
Family learning
Courses leading to a qualification
Most general interest courses are also free.
These courses are funded by the Department for Education and the Greater London Authority. You’ll need to provide information when you enrol to confirm your eligibility.
Courses run regularly
Our courses run regularly throughout the year making it easier to find a course to suit your availability. Many of our courses support learning around school timetables or are short in length. Some of our courses do require a longer commitment.
When you find a course topic you are interested in we will list the suitable training partner(s) for you to contact, and they will be able to find you the most suitable option for you. Some courses are provided by more than one trainer, offering you more choice of dates and length of study.
Course locations
There are lots of adult learning locations across the Royal Borough of Greenwich, London. Some courses are taught online or as a combination of on-site and online learning.
Map showing the Royal Borough of Greenwich (London) boundary line.
Student Awards
The incredible achievements of residents and the council’s delivery partners are celebrated each year at the Adult Community Learning Awards. The ceremony takes place at Woolwich Town Hall every summer and 2026 is the fourth year.