HOLEX - The National Voice for Adult Community Education in England
HOLEX is the membership body and national voice for adult community education in England, providing crucial support and advocacy in an often over-looked sector. HOLEX members play a vital role in the Further Education (FE) ecosystem, working at the heart of local communities to provide accessible learning opportunities for those who are often furthest from education and employment.
Whether helping adults gain essential skills, supporting career changers, or re-engaging those who have previously struggled in formal education, our members serve as a vital bridge into further and higher education, apprenticeships, and skilled employment.
New Year Honours 2026 – Adult Education Champions Recognised by King
Two of our remarkable Adult Community Education members are among over 1,157 people who have been honoured this year for their exceptional achievements. HOLEX warmly welcomes this recognition in the King’s New Year Honours. The acknowledgement reflects the outstanding commitment of those working in adult and community education, whose leadership and teaching change lives, strengthen communities and support lifelong learning.
Tori Seymour, a former tutor at Tutor, Somerset Skills and Learning received a BEM for services to Skills. Tori’s innovative teaching, relentless advocacy for social mobility, and her dedication in forging strategic partnerships to benefit students, has transformed the lives of countless learners, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds.
Angela Wooller, Apprenticeship and Qualifications Manager at East Sussex County Council received a BEM for services to Further Education. Angela’s passion for ensuring that tutors and learners are given every opportunity to succeed, her commitment to reducing the stigma associated with Dyslexia, and her work enhancing the quality and reputation of a local apprenticeship offer have enabled numerous students to progress and to achieve career advancements.
Statement from HOLEX:
“We’re genuinely delighted to see Adult Community Educators acknowledged in the New Year Honours. Behind every qualification and every community classroom is someone giving their care, expertise and encouragement to help people grow. With national policy now focused on building skills, expanding training opportunities and creating new routes for people to learn and progress throughout their lives, this recognition feels especially meaningful, because it highlights the human impact of that work, and the difference it makes in people’s futures.
Well done to Tori and Angela and a huge thank you to all of those working in Adult Community Education who quietly go above and beyond every day to support learners, build confidence and change lives.”
Anyone can nominate someone for an honour, and we’ll be inviting submissions via HOLEX in the New Year. As Prime Minister Keir Starmer said: “This year’s Honours list celebrates the very best of Britain – people who put the common good ahead of themselves to strengthen communities and change lives.” HOLEX members do this every day; if you know someone whose dedication deserves recognition, look out for further details around how to put them forward. We will share more information early this term.
HOLEX welcomes Government’s White Paper on Post-Education and Skills but calls for a new direction – a People’s Skills Solution.
For the adult and community learning sector, the task is clear: to ensure that the implementation of the ASF, LLE and local skills reforms re-embed community learning within the national skills strategy and protect the principle of learning for life, work and wellbeing.
HOLEX’s Budget 2025 submission – A New Path for Growth: The People’s Skills Solution– sets out a clear vision for growth built around people, their potential, and lifelong learning.
In its submission, HOLEX calls for:
💷Fair and increased funding: a £5 billion boost to the adult skills budget over this Parliament, targeted through local networks that understand community and employer needs;
🎓 Equity of educational experience: consistent, high-quality provision for all adults, including those with SEND and those furthest from work;
📈Recognition of adult education: as a key driver of economic growth, wellbeing, and social cohesion; and
🤝Stronger cross-government coordination: bringing together DfE, DWP, MHCLG, MCAs, and local authorities to make lifelong learning more responsive and accountable.
HOLEX also urges that the new vocational level qualifications, unlike T Levels, be fully open to adult learners. Lifelong learning must mean learning for life and be inclusive, flexible, and designed around people’s real potential.
Reimagining the Adult Education and Skills Sector – Strengths, Weaknesses and Solutions
HOLEX has introduced a discussion paper that presents a solutions-based approach to the future of adult education and skills. This paper is backed by analysis of the current delivery systems that support the sector and beyond. By examining existing strengths and identifying key challenges, we propose actionable solutions to transform adult education into a cohesive, inclusive, and equitable offering. We invite feedback and reflections from stakeholders to help shape and enhance the critical nature of this paper, aiming to champion and deliver an equitable and inclusive learning experience for all.
We welcome responses and reflections on this paper from stakeholders. If you would like to be part of this, please email your comments to support@holex.org.uk
Access the full document here.
HOLEX Spending Review 2025
HOLEX’s submission emphasises the essential role that adult community education plays in transforming lives, bolstering local economies, and addressing skills shortages. We provide compelling evidence and data to illustrate the impact of funding reductions and advocate strongly for the preservation and enhancement of financial support for our sector.
HOLEX has presented the Government with four key ‘asks’ that outline the critical structures, strategies, and investments needed to maximize the immediate and long-term benefits of adult community education. Investing in and engaging with adults should be seen as a ‘spend to save’ approach rather than a deficit model. This document clearly demonstrates the connection between this investment and improved education, health, and employment outcomes, as well as the broader societal benefits that this learning and support offer brings.
Access the full submission here.
