Thousands of Staffordshire residents have benefited from Staffordshire County Council’s Community Learning Service, with figures showing high achievement rates, excellent learner satisfaction and life-changing outcomes for people.
The service, which offers a wide range of free and low-cost courses for adults, supported 3,089 enrolments across 316 courses during 2025/26, helping residents improve their skills, wellbeing, confidence and employment prospects.
Courses are designed to support people at every stage of life, from those taking their first steps back into learning through to residents looking to gain qualifications, move into work or progress in their careers. The programme includes digital skills, English, maths, wellbeing, employability, vocational training and English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL).
The annual report, due to be considered at a meeting of the Staffordshire Economy and Infrastructure Scrutiny committee on 19 November has highlighted a strong standard of service, which has previously been judged a ‘good’ provider of adult education in 2023 by Ofsted.
Overall achievement rates reached 94 per cent, while more than 99 per cent of learners said they would recommend their course to others.
The impact on learners has been significant. One resident who joined a digital skills course after a period of being out of work said the programme helped rebuild their confidence and prepare for interviews, ultimately helping them secure a job. Another learner discovered a passion for accounting and has since begun preparing for a career in the profession. Georgina, who initially lacked confidence in maths, successfully achieved a Level 2 Functional Skills qualification and is now progressing to higher education to study podiatry.
Robin Hall, Cabinet Member for Economy and Skills at Staffordshire County Council, said:
"Community Learning is about far more than gaining qualifications. It helps people build confidence, improve their wellbeing, develop vital life and work skills and open doors to new opportunities.
"Whether someone wants to improve their digital skills, boost their confidence, move into work or simply learn something new, Community Learning can help them take that next step.
"We are particularly proud of the support we provide to residents who face barriers to learning, including people with disabilities, health conditions, caring responsibilities and those returning to education after many years away. The results show the positive difference these courses are making in communities right across Staffordshire.”
People can find out more on the Community Learning Service webpage.
