About
AdultEducationIreland.ie is run by NACED, the National Association of Community Education Directors, and kindly supported and funded through member schools, the ACCS (Association of Community and Comprehensive Schools) and Solas (The Further Education and Training Authority). The purpose of this site is to promote adult education and life-long learning, and to help interested individuals find information on the broad range of courses delivered through our member schools.
Who is adult education for?
Adult education courses are open to anyone in the community aged 16 or older who would like to learn a new skill, engage in further education, take up a new hobby, or simply meet new people. In the vast majority of cases you do not need any previous experience or formal education to sign up for a course. There are numerous benefits to taking part in a night class. In addition to learning a new skill or gaining a useful qualification, you have the opportunity to meet new people, engage with your local community, get fit and active, and find a worthwhile way to spend the winter evenings. Participants on many of the hobby courses tend to come back term after term, and form a close-knit (no pun intended) bond with their fellow woodcarvers, artists or patchworkers.
You'll find more about the people that do our courses and their inspiring stories on our Features page.
You'll find more about the people that do our courses and their inspiring stories on our Features page.
When do courses run?
Most evening and night classes run for 8-12 weeks in both the Autumn Term (starting late September/early October) and the Spring Term (starting late January/early February). A small number of schools also run a limited programme during the Summer Term (starting March/April). You'll find full details of each school's Adult Education offer by clicking on the school image on the Home page. Classes normally run for a single, stand-alone term, though some courses have follow-on options in the following term(s), for example you sign up for a beginners Spanish course in the Autumn Term and then choose to do an improved beginners course the following Spring Term, or at a later date.
What sort of courses are available?
Our schools run a broad range of hobby and certified courses, from Art and Pottery to Yoga and Zumba, with QQI certified SNA courses, Healthcare support and Animal Care courses; ECDL modules and Irish Sign Language courses also available across the network. You'll find lots more information on the sort of courses available on our Courses page.
How do I sign up for a course?
NACED/Adult Education Ireland do not take any enrolments directly. To enrol on a class you will need to contact the relevant school directly. Most schools have online, phone and in-person enrolment options available. Course fees are paid in full in advance (in most cases) and relevant fees must be paid before the course begins. Some courses are over subscribed, and occasionally courses are cancelled due to insufficient interest. Signing up early is recommended.
We've summarised some of the information on our Courses page to make it easier to find the course your looking for, but the best way to find the most up-to-date information is via the school links on our Homepage. Useful information is also posted on our Facebook page in month leading up to term starts, and we usually list all the schools in our network that run each particular course. Be sure to like our page, and to share our posts with others that you feel would be interested. If you are not on Facebook, be sure to keep an eye on Donedeal, where we also advertise our classes.
We've summarised some of the information on our Courses page to make it easier to find the course your looking for, but the best way to find the most up-to-date information is via the school links on our Homepage. Useful information is also posted on our Facebook page in month leading up to term starts, and we usually list all the schools in our network that run each particular course. Be sure to like our page, and to share our posts with others that you feel would be interested. If you are not on Facebook, be sure to keep an eye on Donedeal, where we also advertise our classes.
What if I want to teach a course?
If you are interested in teaching a course or would like to see a new course added to the programme at your closest school, then please do get in touch with them. You will find contact details for the Adult Education Director at each school on the Home page. Schools are open to suggestions and new courses are often added in response to public demand and the availability of tutors.
How do schools join the NACED network?
If you are a school running classes for adults, and would be interested in joining the NACED network, please contact the NACED directors for further details. NACED committee members can also offer a range of support and advice to Community and Comprehensive schools looking to establish an Adult Education programme.
