Tower Hamlets Lifelong Learning is a great way to learn in Tower Hamlets. We provide an innovative setting for lifelong learning in our local Idea Stores which are modern and exciting learning environments as well as courses in community and other venues. The Idea Stores bring together library and information services and are geared up to meet needs of learners.

Lifelong learning adds so much more to the learning experience - from a spacious and modern dance studio to fully equipped complementary therapy and excellent ICT facilities. The East End is one of London's most diverse and historical areas; there is a huge amount to do and some of the capital's most vibrant galleries, shops, clubs and bars are on your doorstep.
 
What's on offer

Whether you want to get qualified to improve your career prospects, find a job, apply to university or higher education, or learn for yourself to take up a new interest, or meet new people, we have a course to suit you.

We offer courses in these subject areas:

• Art and design

• Business and finance

• Car maintenance

• Ceramics

• Cookery and catering

• Dance

• English language (ESOL)

• Family learning

• Fashion and textiles

• Fitness

• Health at work

• Holistic health and wellbeing

• IT and computing

• Languages

• Music

• Photography

• Sport and fitness

• Weightlifting

Learn with us and you've a great chance of success – our most recent Ofsted report (March 2009) graded learners achievements as good.  

Facilities

Specialist facilities include a teaching kitchen at the Shadwell Centre, IT and multimedia suite at Idea Store Whitechapel, art studios, sewing rooms, dance studios, workshops for hand-craft courses such as jewellery making, health and fitness rooms as well as access to a crèche in two main centres as well as in some schools and community venues.

Student Story

Rachael Franqui
Dance Foundation

'I first started taking evening classes in jazz dance with Tower Hamlets Lifelong Learning. I've always loved dance but did not think it would be an option to train full time as a mature student until I found out about the Dance Foundation Course. I loved it. It was a challenging year of learning but with tutors that were very supportive it turned out to be a fun, interesting and varied year, which has enabled me to go on to study dance at university level. I am currently studying at City and Islington College in the Foundation Degree in Dance.

I really enjoy studying with Tower Hamlets Lifelong Learning and there is such a diverse range of subjects available. I am still taking extra classes in ballet and plan to for the foreseeable future.'