The Mary Ward Centre

About

Specialises in Adult Education: Large enough to sustain a wide, relevant range of courses yet small enough to be able to give a first rate personal service to its users, the Centre has earned a reputation as being the friendly place to learn.

Story

The Mary Ward Centre is part of the Mary Ward Settlement. It is London’s Adult Education College with a difference. Its buildings, location and range of courses have established the centre as a favourite place to learn for students of all ages. The relaxed atmosphere of the main building in Queen Square belies the professional approach to teaching and the modern technology available in all our classrooms, both at Queen Square and at the newer building at 10 Great Turnstile.
Large enough to sustain a wide, relevant range of courses yet small enough to be able to give a first rate personal service to its users, the Centre has earned a reputation as being the friendly place to learn. Courses are taught at all levels, from introductory to advanced, by experienced well-qualified tutors. Day, evening and weekend classes of varying length will fit your schedules.
From art to zumba, archaeology to ukulele, computing & business to psychology, there is plenty of choice to meet your interests or practical needs. Many courses lead to a certificate so you can add to your qualifications, but there is also lots of opportunity to pursue study purely for the pleasure of learning. Our Central London location with good transport connections draws in students from all over London and beyond. A vegetarian cafe and roof garden at Queen Square add to the ambience of a friendly, sociable venue, which students return to time and again.

Mission

Mary Ward was a dynamic late Victorian who acquired fame and riches through her best-selling novels. She founded the Mary Ward Settlement with the aim of providing cultural and educational opportunities to those denied them through circumstances of birth. She was instrumental in setting up Somerville College, the first women’s college at Oxford; she also introduced to England the first school for physically handicapped children and the play centre movement. Mary Ward’s philosophies still guide the Centre’s policies. Courses are offered at affordable rates, and financial support is available for those who qualify.