Dorset: Adult learning courses

For information about courses, learning opportunities, learning at home and more please visit
https://www.webenrol.com/skillsandlearningace/

For details of local courses and information see links below.

Link to our online courses (courses are held online via Teams at specific times with a “live” tutor)

Link to distance learning courses (These are online modules that can be accessed whenever convenient)

Link to courses in Blandford

Link to courses in Poole, Wareham or Dorchester

Information about our employability and careers courses (also known as work skills)

Information about our English for Speakers of Other Languages courses

Information provided by Bovington HIVE

Ripon: Thinking about Learning with ALSS?

 
If you're thinking about enrolling on an Adult Learning Course, the team will be at Ripon Community House between 1pm and 3pm on Tuesday 8th September to give advice and help you through the process.

For more information visit www.northyorks.gov.uk/adultlearning
Tel: 01609 536 066 or Email: AdultLearningService@northyorks.gov.uk

Information provided by North HIVE Hub

Defence Children Services students celebrate 2026 exam results

 

Students at Defence Children Services secondary schools have been celebrating throughout August, with many progressing to university, military careers and apprenticeships. Read more about this year's results at Queen Victoria School, King Richard School and St John's School: 

 Defence Children Services students celebrate 2026 exam results

Northern Ireland: Back To School Contact Information

BACK TO SCHOOL CONTACT INFORMATION

With the new school term about to start, the Education Authority NI (EANI) have published contact details for any queries you may have in relation to Special Educational Needs (SEN) services, Free school meals and uniform grant, Home to School Transport, School Admissions and General enquiries.

Please see Useful Back to School contact information which can be accessed by the link below:

Back to School | Education Authority Northern Ireland

Scotland: Queen Victoria School Dunblane Open Morning Saturday 12th September

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Open morning will take place on Saturday 12th September 2026 and applications for admission to QVS close on the 15th January each year, 

Families are welcome to find out more by contacting Admissions on 03311433294 or email qvs.admissions@modschools.org 

Queen Victoria School - Boarding School, Dunblane, Scotland

Information provided by Leuchars HIVE

Exceptional GCSE Results at The Duke of York’s Royal Military School

Exceptional GCSE Results at The Duke of York’s Royal Military School

Students at The Duke of York's Royal Military School are celebrating another year of exceptional GCSE results, where a third of grades were 9-7 and 69% of students gained a 5 or above in both English and Maths. Many students have also secured prestigious academic and sports scholarships as they continue their educational journey into the school's Sixth Form.

Principal Alex Foreman said: "Education today asks more of schools than ever before, and I am incredibly proud that our students continue to rise to every challenge. These results are a testament to their commitment, ambition, and perseverance, alongside the dedication of our outstanding staff.

As a boarding school, we offer something distinctive: a community built on belonging, opportunity and strong relationships, where young people are given the confidence to grow academically and personally. We often talk about nurturing 'acorns into oaks', and these results show what can be achieved when young people are supported to develop not only knowledge and skills, but also character, resilience and independence.

We celebrate every one of our students and look forward to seeing the difference they will make in the years ahead."

This year's GCSE students have laid strong foundations for the next stage of their education. Twenty-four students have been awarded academic scholarships in recognition of their outstanding examination performance, while twenty-two students have received sports scholarships, celebrating their talent, dedication and leadership both on and off the field. Twelve of these students will join the School's Rugby Performance Pathway, delivered in partnership with Saracens Rugby Club, providing an exceptional opportunity to combine academic study with elite sporting development.

At The Duke of York's Royal Military School, students benefit from outstanding teaching, small class sizes and a unique boarding environment that supports both academic achievement and personal development. Alongside an exceptional education, students develop the confidence, resilience and leadership skills that prepare them for success in Sixth Form and beyond.

The School congratulates all students on their achievements and looks forward to welcoming many of them into Sixth Form as they continue their journey as Dukies.

Applications for September entry remain open, with academic scholarships available for external applicants.

For more information, visit www.doyrms.com.

Wiltshire: Skills Bootcamps

Skills Bootcamps are available free of charge for individual learners who are job searching and looking to improve their skills. It is also available for self employed people who are looking to progress their business.

Please note these are available for learners from Wiltshire and Swindon.

There is a mixture of online and in-person courses available, in subjects such as:

• Education & Early Years
• Health & Social Care
• Digital & AI
• Hospitality
• Business & Employment Skills

Please click here for further information

Information provided by Colerne & Lyneham HIVEs

St Athan: Do something constructive - Free work experience in Barry

 Information provided by Wales HIVE Hub

Leuchars: AI Skills Drop-in session with BFBS, Tuesday 1st September in the Co-working hub.

Join the MCN and BFBS at the Military Coworking Network hub in Leuchars for a free drop-in AI skills session, open to all military partners and spouses.

Whether you want to know how AI can help you find a job, run a business, plan a move, or just make everyday life a little easier, come and have a chat with us. There's no agenda, no pressure, and no tech experience needed. Just drop in whenever works for you between 10am and 3pm on Tuesday 1st September and we'll work through whatever's most useful for you.

Refreshments will be provided.

Free to attend. Open to all military partners and spouses, you don't need to be an MCN member to come along.

Funded by the Armed Forces Covenant Fund Trust as part of the AI Skills Programme for Military Partners.

Information provided by Leuchars HIVE

Vale of Glamorgan: Discover your next step

 

Information provided by Wales HIVE Hub

North Yorkshire: Adult Learning - thinking about learning with us?

 Information provided by North HIVE Hub

Alliance Manchester Business School: Advanced Management Achievement Course (AMAC)

The Advanced Management Achievement Course (AMAC) is a 3-week highly specialised programme designed for officers moving into management and executive careers.

AMAC has a long and successful track record in helping officers make the transition from a military career to the business world after leaving the Armed Forces. It shares the language, concepts and practices of business which are often unfamiliar to delegates. AMAC qualification is CMI Level 8 Certificate in Strategic Direction and Leadership.

Bookings are now open for the next AMAC cohorts, with the following start dates:

8 November 2026
7 February 2027
6 June 2027

Each programme runs over three weeks, and after completing AMAC all participants become part of the AMAC Alumni community. The course is listed on ELCAS, and the course provider is registered with CTP.

To find out more please go to: Advanced Management Achievement Course | Alliance MBS

Scotland: Settling in to Scotland Webinar Wednesday 2nd September

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This webinar is designed to help you understand the Scottish school system, including the terminology, laws, and guidance that can help ensure your child gets the most from their education.

It is aimed at anyone who is new to the school system and might be of particular interest to families who are new to Scotland.

Settling in to school in Scotland - Enquire

Information provided by Leuchars HIVE

The Duke of York's Royal Military School Celebrates Outstanding A Level and BTEC Results

 

The Duke of York's Royal Military School Celebrates Outstanding A Level and BTEC Results

Students at The Duke of York's Royal Military School are celebrating another year of excellent A Level and BTEC results, with strong performances across a wide range of academic and vocational subjects.

This year's results showcase the strength of the school's provision, with over half of students achieving A*-B grades and the average grade across the cohort being a B.

Principal Alex Foreman said: “These results are a testament to the hard work, determination, and resilience of our students, supported every step of the way by dedicated teachers, boarding staff and the wider school community.

"We are proud to be a school that continues to go from strength to strength, where ambition is matched by exceptional care and support. At the heart of our success is our boarding ethos, which gives young people a real sense of belonging, stability, and confidence. It provides the time, structure, and encouragement to develop not only academically, but personally as well.

"Our aim is always to act in the best interests of our ‘Dukies’, helping them leave us with strong qualifications, character, independence and the confidence to thrive in whatever path they choose next. These results have opened doors to a wide range of exciting futures, positioning our ‘Dukies’ for ambitious and rewarding futures."

This year's leavers are now preparing to take their next steps, with many progressing to higher education, degree apprenticeships, specialist training and professional careers. The breadth and quality of opportunities available to this cohort reflects the strong foundation they have built during their time at the school and the wide-ranging possibilities these results have created.

Small class sizes, expert teaching and an extensive co-curricular programme ensure students leave the school equipped not only with strong academic outcomes, but also with the leadership, independence and resilience needed to flourish in higher education, apprenticeships and the workplace.

The school congratulates all students on their achievements and wishes them every success as they begin the next chapter of their journeys.

For more information, visit www.doyrms.com.

Highlands: Military Liaison Group (Education) supporting Armed Forces Families

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Information provided by Leuchars HIVE

Moray: Early Learning and Childcare Information for Military families by Moray Council

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Moray Council have developed this ELC information to support Military families moving to the area.

Information provided by Leuchars HIVE

Gov.uk: Childcare for Service children ‘Moving to England from overseas or within the UK’ section updated

The gov.uk Childcare for Service Children webpage can be found at: Childcare for Service children - GOV.UK

The section on moving to England from overseas or a devolved nation was amended on 6 Aug, and now reads:

Moving to England from overseas or within the UK

If you are returning from overseas or moving within the UK, please visit the Best Start in Life website to find out what is available in your area. The application process and deadlines may vary.

It’s not possible to apply for additional funded childcare online when you are outside England. If you are due to return to England from overseas or elsewhere in the UK after a term deadline, you can call the Childcare Service Helpline on 0300 123 4097 to apply for a free childcare code and request a manual application. The manual application must be completed before the term deadline.

Information on term deadlines and when to apply can be found in DIN - Early years funded childcare overseas. Search for the DIN on defnet or Defence Connect (accessible by MOD personnel only).

Parents can apply outside of the recommended dates, but they might not receive their code in time. Parents must have a valid code by the end of the month before a new term starts.

Overseas

In overseas locations, the Ministry of Defence (MOD) provides services (or access to services) that, so far as is reasonably practicable, conform in type, scope and standard to that required by legislation in England.

Darlington: Welding & Fabrication Courses with Building Heroes

Welding & Fabrication Course 

Duration:        5 weeks

Location:        Darlington, DL1 1DR

Course dates:    09.11.26 - 11.12.26
                              11.01.27 - 12.02.27

Available to Veterans, Service Leavers within last 18mths of service, Reservists and immediate military family member

Please click the link below for all course information and on-line application.

Welding and Fabrication in the Industrial Environment | Building Heroes

Information provided by North HIVE Hub

Dorset: School transport & pupil bus passes

 

Find information on school transport in Dorset, including: school bus updates safety of routes, all school transport news, how to apply for school transport schemes and appeal against a transport decision. Click HERE

Dorset County Council (DCC) school bus passes These cards will be sent direct to your home address.

DCC school bus passes will be for the life of attendance at your school or college, subject to transport entitlement and so will not need to be re-issued every year. These passes contain an electronic chip. School vehicles are fitted with electronic chip readers that will allow passes to be checked and details of the journeys recorded.

If a bus pass is lost during the academic year you must obtain a temporary pass from your school office in order to continue using school transport until a replacement pass can be issued.

Information provided by Bovington HIVE

Fife: Fife Council free School meals and school clothing grant applications now open for 2026-2027

Applications for school clothing grants and free school meals are open for 2026-27.

We can provide free school meals and a school clothing grant if you are on a low income. The school clothing grant is £130 per child for primary school pupils and £160 per child for high school pupils.

Applications for the new school year (2026/2027) opened on 1 May 2026.

For more, and to find out if you qualify, visit www.fife.gov.uk/schoolbenefit

Information provided by Leuchars HIVE