Gransnet forums

Education

Further education now…

(8 Posts)
MayBee70 Sun 25-Oct-26 17:53:39

That’s good to know. The local school where I used to do evening classes now just seems to do exercise classes, classes about hygiene etc.

cornergran Sun 25-Oct-26 17:21:46

I did A levels at college in the evenings after work once I’d left school because I wanted to. The very traditional grammar school had removed my confidence, constantly told I wasn’t quite good enough and to work harder to get 100% marks. It was best for me not to stay on. I seem to recall no charge. Maybe my age. Later it was two diplomas, a degree and a Masters - all funded by us and costing a fortune although leading to an enjoyable and well paid professional career.

Our local college runs low and no cost interest courses for adults and the OU do now offer free stuff via OpenLearn. I’m sure there will be more out there. Definitely worth some research for anyone wanting to engage with learning.

MayBee70 Sun 25-Oct-26 17:03:38

My daughter wanted to do an OU course but it cost thousands. I don’t actually want to do anything myself, I just wondered if young people still had cheap opportunities to educate themselves after leaving school. It isn’t something I’ve thought about for years.

butterandjam Sun 25-Oct-26 17:03:05

Yes, loads.

I did A level Biology and Geography, upholstery, cookery and computing in evening classes at FE college.

Sadgrandma Sun 25-Oct-26 16:40:22

Look at the website of your local college. They will do all sorts of courses that won’t require prior qualifications. Alternatively , I’m sure your local council will run Adult Education classes. As another person said the OU usually doesn’t require entry qualifications. Expensive though.

Whitewavemark2 Sun 25-Oct-26 15:53:42

That should be *does courses*😊

Whitewavemark2 Sun 25-Oct-26 15:53:04

The OU do courses.

MayBee70 Sun 25-Oct-26 15:38:08

I was listening to a podcast last night in which a lady was talking about various courses she went on after leaving school; HNC’s etc. Like a lot of people she didn’t enjoy being at school. When I was in my thirties I used to do various courses, sociology etc. Are courses still available to people who leave school without good exam results but don’t want to go to college full time? ( it was a podcast about oral history by Carl Chinn the Birmingham historian).