Ever wondered what actually happens during the autumn political conference season? Beyond the major headlines and main stage speeches lies a vibrant space for debate, policy development, and campaigning. Read our full explainer blog at www.wea.org.uk/news-views/b...

With just 2s 6d from her housekeeping budget, the equivalent of around £14 today, Frances Mansbridge changed British education forever. Born on this day in 1875, she co-founded the WEA in 1903 with her husband Albert to bring education to working-class communities.

Today is your LAST CHANCE to have your say on the future of lifelong learning. Don't miss out on sharing your ideas, experiences and thoughts: the deadline is 23:59 tonight. Share them here: www.wea.org.uk/labs/submit #WEALabs

In August 1903, a vision for accessible education brought trade unionists and academics together in Oxford to found the WEA. Over a century later, that same passion for lifelong learning drives everything we do. www.wea.org.uk/labs #WEALabs

Traditional education isn't the only route to success. R&B icon Craig David struggled at school and left college early, yet went on to earn an honorary doctorate. There's just 7 Days to have your say in our Lifelong Learning Labs campaign. www.wea.org.uk/labs/submit #WEALabs

WEA CEO Simon Parkinson responds to yesterday’s Ministerial Statement on Education and Skills reform from Secretary of State for Education Lucy Powell: www.wea.org.uk/news-views/n... #WEALabs

A slice of WEA history from 1911: a membership card and programme from our Reading Branch. You can uncover some digital copies of our Highway magazine in our online archive: www.wea.org.uk/archive

As AI moves fast and risks leaving people behind, local support and simple learning tools can help everyone stay confident online. Dr Emma Stone of Good Things Foundation shows how lifelong learning can help people navigate the fast moving world of AI. www.wea.org.uk/news-views/b... #WEALabs

Lots of us take basic tools like a keyboard or a mouse for granted, but without essential digital skills, how can anyone expect to succeed in today's workplace? Get involved in our campaign and have your say on our website. www.wea.org.uk/labs #WEALabs

In this guest blog for our Lifelong Learning Labs campaign, Alison Morris from @skillsfederation.bsky.social explores why essential skills matter most in an AI-driven workplace. Read the full blog here: www.wea.org.uk/news-views/b... #WEALabs

Maths anxiety isn't just 'disliking numbers'. It's a real fear that causes stress and affects one in three adults in the UK. Fear of maths has nothing to do with your intelligence, which means anyone can overcome it. Learn more: www.wea.org.uk/labs/submit #WEALabs

Understanding tech is no longer optional: it’s an essential skill for independence. This guest blog from Age UK shows how digital inclusion is transforming lives: www.wea.org.uk/news-views/b... #WEALabs

Great to see this article referencing our Head of Partnerships Nusrat Hathiari's comments on threats to ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages). Thank you to @wmc-adultlearning.bsky.social for keeping this important conversation moving. feweek.co.uk/reform-poses...

Reform poses threat to ESOL we can’t ignore

The idea that migrants can simply 'learn English on an app' misunderstands language learning

feweek.co.uk

From maths in the supermarket to holiday budgeting, summer often highlights gaps in our own essential skills. Millions of UK adults struggle with basic English, maths, or digital skills. A national lifelong learning strategy can fix this. www.wea.org.uk/labs/submit #WEALabs

What does diversifying the curriculum really mean for lifelong learning? Catch-up with WEA CEO Simon Parkinson and Anwar Akhtar of Samosa Media as they unpack the opportunities and challenges facing educators today in our free to view member lecture. www.wea.org.uk/news-views/b...

In 1939, George Orwell contributed to our Highway magazine, sharing his reflections on conflict, heartbreak, and hope. Scroll through the images to learn more. You can read Orwell's full Highway article on our website here: www.wea.org.uk/news-views/b... #WEALabs

We recently hosted a webinar as part of our Lifelong Learning Labs campaign, debating why lifelong learning is being sidelined, and how we bring it back. Watch the recording on our blog: buff.ly/kHuGvkO #WEALabs

Its you 𝐥𝐚𝐬𝐭 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐧𝐜𝐞 to join our webinar: Lifelong learning – shaping the future by learning from history. Don't miss out: secure your place now: www.wea.org.uk/events/futur... #WEALabs

Public events, talks and lectures have been part of the WEA story for generations. With our new Purpose to Pen series, we’re building on that legacy in a fresh way. Learn more: www.eventbrite.com/cc/purpose-t...

"𝐈𝐭’𝐬 𝐚 𝐩𝐨𝐰𝐞𝐫𝐟𝐮𝐥 𝐫𝐞𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫 𝐨𝐟 𝐰𝐡𝐲 𝐈 𝐝𝐨 𝐰𝐡𝐚𝐭 𝐈 𝐝𝐨." In this blog, WEA Tutor Team Leader Jenny Blackwell takes us through her recent experiences at an ESOL enrolment event. Read more: www.wea.org.uk/news-views/b... #WEALabs

Its just two weeks until our free webinar: Lifelong learning – shaping the future by learning from history. Learn more and secure your place: www.wea.org.uk/events/futur... #WEALabs

40+ nationalities. Countless powerful stories. One vibrant community. Live in or around Bristol? Join the WEA Community Learning Hub in St Pauls for an open day on 10th June celebrating the incredible courage and resilience of our ESOL learners. www.wea.org.uk/events/cultu... #WEALabs

"If we don’t support young adults to move forward, today’s problem doesn’t fade it just grows up." WEA CEO @simonparkinson.bsky.social responds to today's draft report on economically inactive young people: www.wea.org.uk/news-views/n...

WEA responds to draft report on Neets | WEA

WEA responds to the draft report on economically inactive young people

wea.org.uk

Free webinar: Lifelong learning – shaping the future by learning from history Join us online on 30th June (1pm–2pm) to explore the Centenary Commission on Adult Education's vision for lifelong learning in 2026. Secure your place: www.wea.org.uk/events/futur... #WEALabs

Everyone deserves to feel respected and safe in the workplace. 🔬 What does proper workplace support look like to you? Share your thoughts in our May Labs. Because adults deserve better. www.wea.org.uk/labs #WEALabs

At a time when division feels loud, we’re spotlighting kindness. 💚 We are a partner of A Million Acts of Hope, a national movement celebrating the everyday care and connection that holds our communities together. Learn more: millionactsofhope.org #MillionActsOfHope

Learning is often seen as a route into work. But here’s what happens when it supports people already in it. Have your say in the Labs: www.wea.org.uk/labs/submit #WEALabs

𝐑𝐞𝐟𝐥𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐀𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐥 𝐋𝐚𝐛𝐬 🪞 Throughout April we've been exploring how lifelong learning is the glue that holds our communities together. But what did we learn? Scroll the images for our reflections. Visit www.wea.org.uk/labs #WEALabs

Don't let the long weekend slip away without making your voice heard! 🧪 Why not spend a few minutes of your Early May bank holiday helping us shape the future of lifelong learning? Have your say at via our survey at www.wea.org.uk/labs/submit #WEALabs

Standing up for good work ✊️ 100 years ago today, the 1926 General Strike begun. It redefined the fight for fair pay and collective power. Is there enough support for people in low paid or insecure work in the UK? Have your say: www.wea.org.uk/labs #WEALabs