We are the Southern Region of the Workers’ Educational Association - also known as the WEA - and we're the UK’s largest voluntary-sector provider of adult education.

We were founded in 1903, in order to support the educational needs of working men and women who could not afford to access further or higher education. Today we provide courses for all kinds of adults but we maintain our special mission to provide educational opportunities to adults facing social and economic disadvantage.

We run over 10,000 part-time adult education courses each year. Our 110,000 students reflect all ages and interests, and come to us from all walks of life. We are one of the UK’s biggest charities, and operate at local, regional and national levels through our regional offices and volunteer-led branches. Our courses are created and delivered in response to local need, often in partnership with local community groups and organisations.