Find the perfect course for you:

Digital Hub

We have opened a new state-of-the-art facility at our Colchester centre to support residents and businesses with developing their IT and digital skills as well as providing digital access for residents.

Accounting (AAT) & GCSE Physics Pre-course Assessments

A pre-course assessment is required before you can enrol onto a qualification. It’s nothing to worry about and it allows us to make sure that your chosen course is suitable for you. If not, we can support you to find other options to help you to achieve your goals.

Nightingale Care Bursary

Our Nightingale Care Bursary enables Health & Social Care providers to support their staff with FREE training and development opportunities.

Start-up Smart

Make 2023 the year you finally start your small business! Give it the best chance of success by learning key skills, such as managing your finances.

Parent Ambassador Programme

ACL’s Parent Ambassador programme aims to improve the lives of families living in Essex. Become a Parent Ambassador and make a difference to families in your school community.

Latest Apprenticeship Vacancies

Our range of apprenticeship are perfect for individuals looking to improve their career prospects.

Latest News

Highly Commended Apprentice of the Year Award

“I would 100% recommend doing an apprenticeship to anyone…”

I would 100% recommend doing an apprenticeship to anyone. There are so many different courses out there to choose from and all of them give learners so many different opportunities to excel in a work place. With these opportunities and skills, joined with the knowledge of your chosen course, you are assured to be an ideal candidate for any job!

Holly from Burnham-on-Crouch

Monika by an ACL poster

“ACL provided me with the opportunity to work around my family life…”

Hi, I’m Monika, 49. I’m originally from India and moved here 14 years ago. Whilst my kids were growing up I volunteered in schools. In order to progress to other roles I knew I needed to get GCSEs in English and maths. I have today achieved a grade 9 in my English exam which I am over the moon about. ACL provided me with the opportunity to work around my family life and I have never had such a good tutor in all my life – amazing! I had no idea that I would get the highest possible grade, I am an introvert by nature so this is just such a shock for me. I would advise anyone who is thinking about learning with ACL to do it today! I am now all ready to start my GCSE maths course this year.

Monika from Colchester

Nick stands beside an ACL poster

“I would advise anyone that needs a GCSE to think about ACL…”

I’m Nick, 54 and am about to start a teacher training course at Moulsham High School teaching Computer Science. I was all set to follow my dream of becoming a teacher but realised that I was lacking a GCSE pass in English. I heard about ACL and was able to enrol on the course easily. Angela, our teacher was amazing and really effective and as a result I have today received a grade 7 – hurray! I would advise anyone that needs a GCSE to think about ACL, very professional and we all worked as a team in class.

Nick from Colchester

Learner Wade

“The skills I have learnt throughout my time on the apprenticeship with ACL has prepared me to be able to progress within my organisation…”

I started with Essex County Council in February 2019 as a Business Support Assistant in the file and data team, where I quickly settled into the team and managed to learn all the tasks very quickly. In May 2019, I spoke with my line manager about the possibility of enrolling on the ‘Business Administrator – L3’ apprenticeship. My line manager fully supported this and contacted ACL to get me enrolled. The skills I have learnt throughout my time on the apprenticeship with ACL has prepared me to be able to progress within my organisation and feel confident in doing so. I am on course to finish my Business Administrator – L3 qualification this year and I am hoping to do this with the best possible mark.

Wade from Basildon

Studying together with the help of a teacher/professor

English, Maths, Science & Digital

Whatever your reason to improve your English, Maths, Science or Digital skills, ACL can help! Our courses could be free* and support you to gain the qualifications you need…

Reading a book by a tree outside - mental health awareness

Mental Health & Wellbeing

Learn about looking after your mental health and wellbeing, in addition to supporting your family and friends.

Mum helping her daughter with maths homework

Family Learning

These courses offer you the opportunity to learn together to build strong relationships, develop new skills and raise aspirations for all the family.

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Apprenticeships

Hundreds of courses across the county, there’s something for every learner and business.

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Supported Learning

Our Supported Learning courses have been created specifically for adults with learning difficulties and disabilities wishing to develop social and personal skills, and those wishing to gain qualifications and employment.

About Us

ACL offers a wide range of day time and evening adult learning courses to help you improve your job prospects, learn a new skill or simply inspire you.

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On-site Services

We have a range of on-site services including beauty room, hair salons and nurseries & preschools