Welcome to Manchester Adult Education Service
Manchester Adult Education (MAES) is a great place for adults to develop their confidence, learn new skills and gain qualifications.
As part of Manchester City Council, and as the largest Local Authority adult education provider in the city, we’re committed to creating an environment that enables Manchester residents to rekindle an enthusiasm and excitement for learning, new experiences and skills.
We put learners at the heart of everything we do.
Free access to education: Most of the courses that we offer are free.
Founded in 1992: We have over 30 years of experience providing access to further education.
High achievement rates: 90.5% of our learners pass a nationally recognised qualification.
Help with progression: We have a dedicated and accredited careers and progression service.
Ofsted: In our 2023 Ofsted inspection, we were rated as an Ofsted Good Provider.
Our mission
To raise aspirations and achievement so that residents contribute to and benefit from economic success and social wellbeing, by delivering outstanding education and skills for individuals, communities, and employers.
Our vision
Inspirational adult education that connects Manchester’s adults to their potential, their community and their future.
A message from our Head of Service
“As Head of Service, I am honoured to lead a well-qualified, enthusiastic, and dedicated team of tutors and support staff who are focused on helping learners choose the right learning pathway to improve their knowledge and skills and shape their own futures.
At MAES, we offer a range of courses that will help you benefit from Manchester’s employment and social opportunities and integrate more fully into your community. These courses are taught from different centres across Manchester and our learners value our welcoming centres which encourage people from different backgrounds to work together.
We’re proud of our local and national reputation for enabling learners to succeed and with us you will be well prepared for your next step and progressing on to employment, further courses or volunteering.
I look forward to welcoming you to Manchester Adult Education.“
Brian Henry – Head of Manchester Adult Education Service
What we can offer you
Courses
Our wide variety of courses cover lots of subjects including essential skills, English, maths and digital, as well as vocational courses in health and social care, and education, which are aimed at helping adults gain qualifications to help them move closer to the jobs market. We also have a programme for learners with additional education needs, a very large ESOL provision for speakers of other languages and community learning courses that encourage people to become engaged and active in their local community.
Learning Support
We understand that everyone learns differently which is why we offer personalised learning support. Our dedicated Learning Support team are here to ensure that you have the tools and resources you need to succeed in your learning journey.
Career and progression
Our commitment to student success extends beyond the classroom. We have a team of employability tutors and career advisors who are on hand to provide impartial guidance and career support to help our students achieve their goals – whether that be further education, employment or volunteering.
Where you can find us
MAES has eight centres located across Manchester, making what we offer convenient and accessible for learners. You’ll find us in Blackley, Crumpsall, Gorton, Longsight, Newton Heath, Moss Side, Withington and Wythenshawe. We also work with partners to deliver courses from the community venues across the city too.
