Improving English, maths and IT skills

Essential Skills courses allow you to learn in a way and a place that suits you. Whether you're employed or not, if you’re thinking of doing a course to improve your English, maths or IT skills, these classes are free in further education colleges. There is plenty of information on nidirect.

Free courses

Studies have shown that up to one in four adults need to improve their English and maths skills. With the increasing use of computers, many of us need to brush up on our IT skills too. An Essential Skills course may help you to get on at home, work or in life.

You can find out more about these free courses at the nidirect page below:

• Essential Skills (education, learning and skills section)

Essential Skills learning places a greater emphasis on applying knowledge in real life situations that will allow you to work:

• confidently
• effectively
• independently

Essential Skills qualifications are recognised by employers and universities.

Find a course near you

You can find an Essential Skills course near you at the following link:

• Find an Essential Skills courses (education, learning and skills section)

There’s a wider range of free courses available if you’re on income-related benefits, and there are opportunities for everyone to learn for free online.

• Learning for free (education, learning and skills section)

More useful links

• Adult learning (education, learning and skills section)
• Financial help (education, learning and skills section)
• Training and learning for work (education, learning and skills section)
• Your skills, your future (education, learning and skills section)
• Planning a career (employment section)