The Institute is an educational charity. Since its foundation in 1909, it has been serving the people of Hampstead Garden Suburb and a much wider community beyond it. These days our students come from all over London and its suburbs, as well as from overseas. Our main centre is now in East Finchley, but we also run courses in Hampstead Garden Suburb and Muswell Hill. You can study purely for pleasure and personal fulfilment, or for a qualification.

The Institute is the biggest single provider of adult education in the borough of Barnet. We receive government funding for some areas of our work through the Learning and Skills Council. In the past we have also attracted grants from sources such as the European Social Fund. Our work is regularly inspected by, among others, the Adult Learning Inspectorate and the British Council. We are an associate college of Middlesex University, and have links with many other education providers and community groups.

What's on offer
The Institute offers over 600 courses in a wide varity of subjects such as foreign languages, pottery, sculpture, art history, physical activities, creative writing, cookery, film studies, wine appreciation, photography, music, massage, DIY for women, woodwork, first aid, computing, RYA shore-based courses and many more. We have:

• Courses at many levels, from absolute beginners to advanced.
• Examination courses in many subjects such as GCSE and A-level examinations in foreign languages, RYA shore- based qualifications, Computer ECDL and certificate in Floristry.
• Foundation and Pre-foundation Art
• Literacy and numeracy courses, English for speakers of other languages (ESOL) and Family Learning.
• A comprehensive English language programme for international students.
• Teacher Training
• Courses for young people as well as adults