The campaign

From learning Pilates to gaining a PhD, Adult Learners' Week celebrates learning and learners in all their diversity, inspiring thousands of people each year to try something new. The campaign promotes the benefits of all kinds of learning, whether it is for fun or leading to a qualification.

Held each May, Adult Learners' Week recognises the achievements of outstanding individuals, groups, families and projects through national and regional awards. During this week-long festival of learning, events take place in workplaces, libraries, cafes, prisons, museums and colleges across the country, inspiring adults to take up new activities.

During Adult Learners Week 2009, 53% of the people who attended an event and 70% of people who called the Careers Advice helpline took up some kind of learning activity because of the campaign.

Having celebrated its 19th anniversary this May, Adult Learners' Week continues to be the largest learning campaign of its kind - celebrated in over 55 countries across the world. Founded and co-ordinated by the National Institute of Adult Continuing Education (NIACE), Adult Learners' Week in England is backed by thousands of supporters.

Adult Learners’ Week 2011 will be held from 14 – 20 May. Look out for the Adult Learners’ Week Award nominations process opening from September 2010.

Award Winner - Dawn Skelton
“I found studying therapeutic and it gave me a whole new outlook and purpose in life.”
Dawn Skelton, 2010 Award Winner