Take Charge of Your Future | It’s Never Too Late to Learn
Discover our range of adult courses in Ashford that are starting this September, specifically designed for ages 19+.
Visit our Adult Open Day
Thursday 18 June, 4.00 – 7.00 pm
1.7 million
adults are learning in further education each year
In the 2024/25 academic year, around 1.8 million adults (aged 19+) took part in further education and skills training in England.
Source: UK Department for Education – Further Education and Skills Statistics 2024/25
1 in 5 adults
are learning right now
In 2025, 21% of UK adults said they were currently taking part in learning (formal or informal).
Source: Learning and Work Institute – Adult Participation in Learning Survey 2025
More than 1.1 million
adults are actively improving skills through courses
1.17 million adults participated specifically in education and training programmes (courses designed to build skills and qualifications).
Source: UK Department for Education – Further Education and Skills Statistics 2024/25
Access to Higher Education
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Flexible Learning
Our short and part-time courses fit around your life, with many courses taking place in the evenings and during the week.
Exclusively for Adults
Study alongside like-minded people in a professional, friendly environment and become part of our adult learning community.
Professional Teaching
Our lecturers are practicing industry professionals, meaning you are learning up to date skills that are relevant to the modern world.
“I came to College from a full-time job. I came into my course not knowing anything about Media and now I know what I’d like to do with my life.
“There’s a real sense of community here. College learning is fantastic and gets you ready for University, an Apprenticeship, a career or wherever your next steps may take you. The key is to be yourself and try new things.”
Andrew Stiffell
Level 3 Creative Media
Five Reasons to Upskill with EKC Ashford College
23 February 2026
From Access to Higher Education and Hair and Beauty courses to Finance and Computing courses, we deliver practical, industry-focused training that makes a real difference in the workplace.
Studying as an Adult
at EKC Ashford College
Whether it’s gaining new skills, building confidence, making lasting friendships, or unlocking fresh career opportunities, our wide range of courses has helped many adults take the next step in their journey.
“The course is brilliant for career changers like myself. It meant that I could learn all about web development and at the same time, build some awesome projects to showcase on GitHub to potential employers.”
Janet Dornan
Level 5 Diploma in Web Development
“”One piece of advice I’d give someone considering studying an Access to HE course is to really be sure it’s what you want to do. Because it’s only one year, there’s a lot of studying to fit in, it’s full on.
Be focused, organised and prepared for a lot of hard work.””
Tul Chhantyal
Access to HE
“I studied here about ten years ago but put education on hold when I became pregnant with my first child.
“When this course came up, I felt there was nothing to lose by giving it a try — and it turned out to be the right decision.”
Megan Power
Level 2 Supporting Teaching and Learning
“I’ve been working and supporting my family for a long time because I’ve got a few children, but now it’s about me and what I want to do. I wanted to move away from what I was doing and do something I actually enjoy.
“I’ve always loved hair and always wanted to get involved in it, so I started with a Level 2 hairdressing course and absolutely loved it.”
Sandra Hetherington-Ford
Level 2 Barbering
“I want to be a good role model for my kids, showing them that their mum can work hard and study hard.
“College has not only improved my studies but also my mental and physical health. I’ve gained so much knowledge, confidence, and skills that I can carry into my future career.”
Chunying Wong
Level 3 AAT Acounting
“When I applied for the course, I had a feeling that everyone would be a bit younger as it was based in the College. However, most of my classmates are older than me and anyone who is 19+ can join the course.
“For me, it’s been valuable to see that everyone has come to the College for the same reasons that I have – to advance their mindset so they can get into the Engineering industry.”
Toby Tang
HNC Engineering
Studying the barbering course has changed my life: Soul’s story.
2 March 2026
Join us as we discover how the adult evening barbering course has helped Soul rebuild his confidence and get ready for his next steps .
We’re part of six community-based colleges
