Community
Learning
Service
Live, Laugh, Learn With Us
We aim to offer high quality courses at the best value. Our courses are funded by the Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA) and the majority are free. For courses with a fee, there is a reduction for those on income-related benefits.
If you want to know more, or can’t find what you’re looking for, please drop-in to The Learning Place on Derby Road, or phone us on 023 9262 1860 or email us at thelearningplace@portsmouthcc.gov.uk
We will be pleased to help you find the course you are looking for.
Latest Courses

Employability Support
Fridays | 10:00 - 12:00
Help with online job search, applying for jobs online, creating or updating a CV You will need to book on to attend these sessions
Find out moreLearn my Way
Tuesdays | 10:00 - 12:00 | 14:00 - 16:00
Learn My Way sessions supporting people to make the most of the online world. Topics include: Using your computer or device, Online Safety, Finding a job online, Improving your health online, Managing your money online, Public services online, Online shopping. You will need to book on to attend these sessions
Find out moreJewellery making
23/02/2021 to 23/03/2021 | Tuesdays | 13:00 - 15:00 | £30.00 - Reduced fee of £24.00 when proof of benefits are shown
This is an exciting course that will introduce you to the specialist tools and techniques of basic jewellery making. By the end of the course you will have had the opportunity to make pieces using copper, silver wire and beading. You will also be able to design and make your own individual piece of jewellery. Although you will be given tuition on this course and will be given help when needed, it is important that you can work independently as this is a more advanced course.
Find out moreSpring Paper Wreath workshop
30/03/2021 | Tuesday | 10:00 - 14:30 | £30.00 - Reduced fee of £13.50 when proof of benefits are shown
Join me on this exciting workshop and learn how to make your very own personalised wreath. You can use sheets of music from your favourite song, words from your favourite book or poem. Once you have learnt these skills you can start making wreaths for any occasion and in any shape demonstrating your own unique creativity.
Find out moreAdvanced spreadsheets using Microsoft Excel
03/03/2021 to 31/03/2021 | Wednesdays | 13:00 - 15:00
You will be learning the following: -How to format a spreadsheet this would include merge and centre, borders, shading and text wrapping -Recap on adding, subtracting, division, multiplication and =SUM -Filtering -Absolute cell reference -IF function
Find out moreEnglish for Communication Skills Check
See below for dates
Wednesday 24th March 2021 ~ 13:00 - 15:00 Thursday 25th March 2021 ~ 13:00 - 15:00 Wednesday 31st March 2021 ~ 13:00 - 15:00 This skills check is aimed at learners where English is not their first language (ESOL) and will enable learners to be signposted to the relevant (non-accredited) English for Communication course to help them develop English communication skills for everyday life.
Find out moreParent Power
01/03/2021 to 29/03/2021 | Mondays | 10:00 - 12:00
A chance to come and chat about any issues that you have with your child's behaviour. Get some helpful hints and tips. Suitable for whatever age your child (or children) are.
Find out moreConfidence building
24/02/2021 to 24/03/2021 | Tuesdays | 13:00 - 15:00
Using a holistic approach, you will be given the opportunity to use tools and strategies which can increase your confidence and help you face up to difficult situations. This can build your self-esteem and help with your stress management.
Find out moreConfident for Work Workshop
See below for dates
Wednesday 10th February 2021 ~ 10:00 - 15:00 Wednesday 10th February 2021 ~ 10:00 - 15:00 This workshop will focus on the process of self-reflection and self-development required in preparation for the workplace. This includes: communication skills, working in a team, challenging oneself, personal presentation and developing resilience.
Find out moreNCFE Level 1 Award in Employability Skills
09/02/2021 to 12/02/2021 | Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday | 09:30 - 14:00
The object of this qualification is to help the learner develop, enhance their skills required for the working environment and develop their confidence and motivation for employment. * subject to eligibility
Find out more
Family Learning
Our Family Learning services help parents to learn how their children are taught at school, to enable adults to answer their children’s questions in a way that matches lessons, avoids confusion and increases their own skills.
Learn More
Apprenticeships
The Community Learning Service offers Business Administration and Customer Service Apprenticeships at Levels 2, 3 and 4. We are Portsmouth City Council’s in house training provider and welcome apprentices working from other organisations too.
Learn MoreLatest News
Learn My Way
January 15th, 2021
In the current situation it is more important than ever that we all benefit from being digital. If you are struggling, then ‘Learn My Way’ could be for you. It’s simplistic and easy to follow approach can help with basic computer skills and internet use, social media, C.V writing and much much more. To register … Continued
Read Story** Public Notice **
January 5th, 2021
Due to national lockdown we are now closed until the lockdown ends. If you are due to attend any courses, you will be contacted by your tutors some point this week. Phones and emails will be monitored by staff so if you have an enquiry please contact us on 02392 621860 or thelearningplace@portsmouthcc.gov.uk Stay safe … Continued
Read StoryApprenticeship Vacancy
November 5th, 2020
We have another fantastic opportunity for you all. Copnor Primary School are looking to hire 3 new apprentices to complete a Level 3 Teaching Assistant Apprenticeship. The link to apply is below: https://www.findapprenticeship.service.gov.uk/appre…/-555265
Read StorySay Hello
The Learning Place, 6 Derby Road, North End, Portsmouth, PO2 8HH
023 9262 1860
thelearningplace@portsmouthcc.gov.uk