Community learning courses

If you are interested in a subject not currently listed please let us know, we are always open to new ideas.

If you organise, or are part of a group that would like a course personalised to your needs please do get in touch. 

All participants will need to be minimum age 19 and Live in North Somerset. Most will either be in receipt of certain means tested benefits or have a low income. 

Priority is given to those who wish to develop skills and confidence for work, further learning or to improve their health and wellbeing.

How to register

Details on how to register for any of our courses are available in the Community Learning newsletter. 

We also have a series of courses to help you develop skills and confidence for work, volunteering and wellbeing. Please see our Skills for Life newsletter for more details. 

Upcoming courses

From January 2026 onwards

Below is just a selection of our upcoming courses. A full list is available in our newsletter, including those with dates to be announced.

If you don't see what you're looking for, check there for further information.

Creative writing - short stories

Suitable for beginners and more experienced writers. In this course, you will explore techniques such as character creation, setting, descriptive writing and much more. 

Writing tasks are sent out on a Monday morning to be completed by Friday afternoon. Support is available during the week and detailed feedback is given. 

  • access to a laptop or computer is required.
  • where can you take it: online
  • course duration: six weeks
  • when can you start: from 5 January 2026

Introduction to IT

A great course for anyone wanting to build up their confidence with computers!

Learn new skills - from using the mouse/ touchpad and keyboard to how to create an email address; using the free Google document resources and keeping safe online.

There is plenty of advice and support on offer from our knowledgeable staff.

  • where can you take it: In person at North Somerset Community Hub, 31 Alexandra Parade, Weston-super-Mare BS23 1QZ
  • course duration: Mondays and Wednesdays 9:30-11:30am
  • when can you start: from 12 January 2026 for five weeks.

ESOL - English for speakers of another language

Learning English as a Second Language for Pre-Entry (no English) to Entry 2 (some conversational English) in Weston-super-Mare, Portishead and Clevedon. 

The courses are designed for those with no confidence and those taking their first steps into classroom learning. Participants will learn about other existing provision and have help to progress to higher levels with Weston College.

Mondays - The Studio at The Stables

3-6 Wadham Street, Weston-super-Mare BS23 1JY

  • duration: 10 sessions
  • starting: 5 January 2026
  • Pre-entry plus - 9:30-11AM
  • Entry 2 plus - 11:30AM – 1:30PM 
Tuesdays - North Somerset Community Hub

31 Alexandra Parade, Weston-super-Mare BS23 1QZ

  • duration: 10 sessions
  • starting 6 January 2026
  • Entry 1 plus 7-8:30PM
Wednesdays - Friends Meeting House

High Street, Weston-super-Mare BS23 1JF

  • duration: 11 sessions
  • starting 7 January 2026
  • Pre-Entry Plus (10 Sessions) - 9.30 - 11AM (Piano Room)
  • Pre-Entry to Entry 1 (Group 1) - 12:30-2PM (Main Hall)
  • Pre-Entry Plus Mixed Level (Group 2) - 12.30 - 2pm (Piano Room)
  • Below Pre -Entry 2:45-4:15PM (Main Hall)
Thursdays - The Studio at the Stables

3-6 Wadham Street, Weston-super-Mare BS23 1JY

  • duration: 10 sessions
  • starting 8 January 2026
  • ESOL Computers - 9:30-11:30AM
  • ESOL Job Club - contact Iona for further information at iona.gibbons@n-somerset.gov.uk or 07767 671633
Fridays - The Folk Hall, Portishead

95 High Street, Portishead BS20 6PR

  • duration: 11 sessions
  • starting 9 January 2026
  • Pre-Entry to Entry 1 - 9:45-11:45AM
  • Entry 1 Plus to Entry 2 Plus - 9.45- 11:45AM 
Fridays - Clevedon Children’s Centre

The Barn, Great Western Road, Clevedon BS21 6HB

  • duration: 11 sessions
  • starting 9 January 2026
  • Pre-Entry plus - 12:30-2PM
  • Entry 1&2 plus - 12:30-2PM

Community Learning trail walks

Improve your English-language skills while enjoying the local beauty spots of Weston-super-Mare with Community Learning walk-and-talk films.