Barrow Adult Learning

Adult Learning thrives on building relationships to ensure that we deliver adult learning courses that are needed in our community, meeting the needs of local business and supporting learners in reaching their potential. We offer a wide range of courses across Barrow and the surrounding area, to allow you either to gain a qualification or to learn a new skill. Our courses are a mixture of online teaching and face-to-face teaching in a range of local venues. Whether you know what you would like to learn or are still looking for some inspiration, get in touch with the team and we will help you find the perfect course.

We look forward to seeing you soon.

Meet the Team

Jennifer Cleghorn - Business Support Officer

Jen has been working within Adult Learning with the Council since 2004, both as a tutor and as Business Support. Now full time in the office, she is available to help learners with their enquiries, carry out initial assessments, and assist with completing enrolment forms.

Mai Harrison - Community Development Worker

Mai is new to Adult Learning and looking forward to meeting with Partners and Learners.

Abel Diaz - Tutor

Abel has worked in Adult Learning for a number of years as a Spanish tutor.  A native Spanish speaker, originating from Chile, he teaches a number of levels, from Intermediate to more advanced.

Chris Fonth - Tutor

"I am a fully qualified teacher specialising in ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) and have experience teaching in Japan, Spain, and the UK. I believe we learn best when we are relaxed and having fun, so I try to make learning as enjoyable as possible. As well as covering the basics such as vocab, grammar, and pronunciation, I try to include lots of opportunities for speaking practice. I enjoy learning foreign languages myself - I've recently tried to learn Japanese - so I understand the challenges involved. I love the job because I don't need to travel the world to meet interesting people anymore: now, interesting people from all around the world come to me!"

Julie Jackson - Tutor

Is an experienced English and Drama teacher and Actor. She taught English and Drama at a Barrow Secondary School for many years. She now teaches Functional Skills and GCSE English to adults for Barrow CLAS.

Kevin Bolton - Tutor and SpLD Assessor

Kevin began working for Adult Learning as an adult literacy tutor and then went onto working with students with profound learning difficulties and disabilities.  Kevin is now a fully trained specialist in working with students with specific learning difficulties such as dyslexia.

Samantha Smith -Tutor

Sam qualified as a teacher in 2015 and started working for Adult Learning in 2022 teaching Functional Skills English and maths.  Her years teaching in primary school enabled her to support children and families through building excellent relationships.  She brings these skills to her work as a Family Learning tutor. She is friendly, approachable, and committed to helping learners succeed whatever their previous experience of education.

Sharon Haddow - Tutor

Sharon has had huge success since starting with Adult Learning just before the pandemic.  

Sharon has worked in different sectors including social care, retail, hospitality and education, she gives 100% to her learners and helps them to see their potential, build their confidence in their own abilities and enjoy the learning experience, leaving them wanting more.

Sharon loves to see people achieving things that they never thought they could.

Julie Spinks - Tutor

Julie has held various Management roles across the hospitality and retail sectors.  In 2012 she took a step back to raise her family, whilst simultaneously setting up and running a successful small business as a self-employed Sewing Tutor.  Julie has a passion for sharing knowledge with others and supporting them to reach their potential, increase their confidence and self-belief.

Tracey Schofield - Tutor

Teaching Digital Skills

Phone

One of our team is available to talk to you over the phone to answer any of your learning queries

Tel: 01229 407630 / 07867 182841

Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm

Email

We aim to respond to all enquiries within 24 hours (excluding weekends).

barrowadultlearning@westmorlandandfurness.gov.uk 

Address

Adult Learning

Westmorland and Furness Council 

Barrow Library

Ramsden Square

Barrow-In-Furness

Cumbria 

LA14 1LL