Website of the UK government

What is 'The Learning Revolution'?

The Learning Revolution is about learning for its own sake. Activities consist of over 200 innovative informal adult learning projects across England, at a wide variety of local venues: a dance class at a church hall, a book group at a local library, or a guided visit to a nature reserve.

Typically the classes are free to attend and offer a short introduction to a subject. People who take part may go on to longer courses afterwards.

The Learning Revolution aims to:

• open up access to learning in new places, in new ways and at more flexible times
• support people to set up self-run groups and learning clubs
• make better use of broadcast and digital technology to support learners
• encourage more and different people into informal learning, especially those not in work
• widen choice, by building and sharing innovative content

The projects are to be delivered by public, private and third sector partnerships.

What sort of thing can people learn, and where?

You may not need to go near a school, college or adult education centre. What's on offer ranges from reading groups and music workshops to learning through travel. There are also activities at radio stations and local cinemas.

Some examples:

• a chance to try out digital technology and develop online learning tools at Tyneside Cinema 
  
• celebrity-led creative music and media tasters, workshops and master classes for over 2,000 adults
• people will be able to use free bus passes to take a 'learning journey' on the Engineering Line, the Football Line and the Mersey Beat Line
• thousands of over-60s will be invited to read or write for pleasure in a Booktrust project partnered by GP surgeries and libraries

How do people find out what's on in their area?

Watch out for local information on 'The Learning Revolution Festival', a month-long celebration of informal adult learning in October 2009. Activities will be free to attend, and aimed at those who are neither working nor in formal education.

Events will be promoted locally. You can also find out about the events programme, as it develops, by looking at the The Learning Revolution network website.

Learning as an end in itself

Kevin Brennan, minister for Further Education, Skills and Consumer Affairs, said: “There are 213 projects ranging from creative writing and music to reading and art. Learning for pleasure in an informal setting benefits the community as well as the individual."

The courses on offer can improve mental and physical wellbeing, active citizenship and community cohesion. 

Further information

• Next Step course search Opens new window

• What to learn, where to learn

• Grants and bursaries for adult learners