Government-imposed rises in fees for evening classes could lead to cuts in the number of leisure courses for Wandsworth residents.

Ministers argue that people with qualifications should pay more towards their learning than those who are need to acquire basic skills.

Take-up of adult education among Wandsworth residents is currently the highest in central London.

The Association of Colleges estimates that costs for people following recreational or personal development courses will rise by up to 65 per cent over the next three years.

Council leader Edward Lister said:

"Forcing up fees could spell the end for many popular evening classes.
Penalising people because they are better educated seems an incredibly narrow approach which under-values the social and educational benefits of traditional classes.

"There is a terrific tradition of learning here which the Government is now putting at risk. Ministers are taking money out of adult education in London and directing it to the rest of the country. It shows an astonishing contempt for the aspirations of thousands of Londoners who attend evening classes every week."


A report to the council's education overview and scrutiny committee next week (November 15) shows the numbers of adult learners has risen from 10,686 to 12,567 in the last year.

Adults taking part in Family Learning have doubled in the last year to 1,816.

Overall numbers are expected to fall over the current year in line with the new focus on basic skills learning.

The main providers of adult education in the borough are South Thames College, the council-run Putney School of Art and Design, Southfields College and local libraries.



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November 10, 2005