Last Updated on 20 May 2026 by Dave King
Brighton has several providers offering adult education courses, from GCSE resits and ESOL classes to vocational bootcamps and leisure learning. Most courses are aimed at adults aged 19 and over, and many are free if you meet the eligibility criteria. This guide names the actual providers, explains what each one offers, and covers how funding works so you know what adult education courses in Brighton are available to you.
Table of Contents
Providers at a Glance
| Provider | What they offer | Website |
|---|---|---|
| Brighton MET College | GCSEs, vocational courses, professional qualifications, leisure courses, Access to HE | brightonmet.ac.uk |
| Brighton and Hove Adult Skills Hub | ESOL, digital skills, employability, wellbeing courses | adulteducation.brighton-hove.gov.uk |
| Varndean College | Adult counselling courses | varndean.ac.uk |
| Aldridge Adult Learning | Skills Bootcamps, English, maths, digital skills, social care, creative courses | aldridgeadultlearning.com |
GCSEs for Adults
Brighton MET College is the main provider for adult GCSE courses in Brighton. They offer adult English and maths courses, with GCSE-level study available for eligible learners. Check their adult course listings for current subjects, timetables and enrolment dates.
GCSE Maths and English courses may be free if you do not already hold a grade C/4 or above in that subject. Ask the college about eligibility when you enquire.
ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages)
The Brighton and Hove Adult Skills Hub runs ESOL courses from beginner level upwards for residents aged 19 and over. These cover conversational English, workplace language and literacy skills. The Hub is council-run and courses are often free or funded for eligible learners. Contact them at ash@brighton-hove.gov.uk for current availability.
ESOL classes are also run by community organisations and charities across Brighton. The council’s adult education page lists current providers.
Skills Bootcamps and Vocational Training
Aldridge Adult Learning in Portslade runs free Skills Bootcamps in areas like health and social care, IT and digital skills. These are intensive short courses designed to get you into work quickly, and they include support with CVs, applications and interview preparation. They also offer apprenticeships for ages 16 and over.
Brighton MET offers longer vocational courses and professional qualifications across trades, business and creative industries.
Access to Higher Education
If you want to go to university but do not have the standard entry qualifications, Brighton MET runs Access to Higher Education courses, and Aldridge Adult Learning also offers Access to University courses. These are usually one-year programmes designed for adults and are accepted by many universities as an entry qualification.
Leisure and Creative Courses
Brighton MET offers part-time leisure and hobby courses for adults, including subjects such as arts and crafts, creative writing, dressmaking, history and languages. Aldridge Adult Learning also offers a wider range of full and part-time adult learning courses, so check its current course listings for creative and wellbeing options.
How Funding Works
Many adult education courses in Brighton are free if you meet the eligibility criteria. The main rules are:
- GCSE Maths and English are usually free if you do not already hold a grade C/4 or above
- ESOL and basic digital skills are often free for eligible residents through the Adult Skills Hub
- Skills Bootcamps at Aldridge Adult Learning are currently offered free
- Advanced Learner Loans are available for higher-level vocational qualifications (Level 3 and above), similar to student loans with income-based repayment
- Employer-funded training may cover course fees if your employer agrees the course is relevant to your role
Eligibility typically depends on your age (19+), residency status and whether you already hold an equivalent qualification. Bring ID, proof of address and any previous certificates to your enrolment appointment. Each provider checks eligibility individually, so contact them directly to confirm.
How to Apply
- Decide what you want to study and check which provider offers it using the table above
- Visit the provider’s website and look at their current adult course listings
- Contact them to check eligibility and funding, especially for free courses
- Book an assessment or enrolment appointment (most providers require this for GCSEs and ESOL)
- Bring ID, proof of address and any certificates of previous study
Enrolment windows vary by provider and course. Brighton MET follows academic terms. The Adult Skills Hub and Aldridge Adult Learning may have rolling start dates for some courses. Brighton’s libraries offer free quiet study space and public internet access if you need somewhere to revise.
FAQs
Where can I study adult education courses in Brighton?
The main providers are Brighton MET College, the Brighton and Hove Adult Skills Hub and Aldridge Adult Learning. Brighton MET is the largest and covers the widest range of subjects. Varndean College offers adult counselling courses.
Are adult education courses in Brighton free?
Many are, depending on the subject and your circumstances. GCSE Maths and English are usually free if you do not already hold a grade 4/C. ESOL and basic skills courses are often funded. Skills Bootcamps at Aldridge Adult Learning are currently free. Contact the provider to check.
Can I study adult education courses in Brighton in the evening?
Yes. Brighton MET offers evening GCSE classes and many of its adult courses have evening or part-time options. The Adult Skills Hub also runs courses at various times. Check with each provider for current timetables.
How do I get into university as an adult in Brighton?
Brighton MET runs Access to Higher Education courses, and Aldridge Adult Learning offers Access to University courses. These are usually one-year programmes designed for adults without standard entry qualifications and are accepted by many UK universities.
What are Skills Bootcamps?
Intensive short courses focused on getting you into work in a specific sector. Aldridge Adult Learning runs free bootcamps in health and social care, IT and digital skills, with CV and interview support included.
Final Thoughts
Adult education courses in Brighton are practical, accessible and often free. Brighton MET is the starting point for GCSEs and vocational qualifications. The Adult Skills Hub covers ESOL and basic skills. Aldridge Adult Learning runs free bootcamps and Access to University courses. Contact the providers directly to check what is running and whether you qualify for funded places.
