Skip to content
Back to Courses and Workshops

Courses

We offer a wide range of courses at Swarthmore - have a browse! 

You can filter by category, tutor, day and time. Click on the 'view details' tab on your chosen course to find out more before booking your place. 

Try using the Available to Book filter to see which courses still have places available!

Some of our courses are FREE - check whether you are eligible!

All courses over 6 hours require a £5 termly membership fee to be paid when booking.

If you have previously enrolled at the centre via our online booking, you can sign into your account, check your details and enrol. If you are a new student, please check the info tab on your course for more details and complete the application form.

We look forward to welcoming you to Swarthmore. 

Upcoming Courses

No courses found, please try another filter or get in touch with us

L509a

Mindful Suminagashi Water Painting - L508b

9th January - 6th February
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Free - £50

Tutor: Joanne Whitaker

A peaceful and meditative approach to creating decorative surface/papers. 

  • Onsite
  • Arts & Crafts
  • Available to Book
Fused Glass

Fused Glass - S825b

9th January - 6th February
10:00 AM - 12:30 PM
£124 - £155

Tutor: Catherine O'Sullivan

This is a mixed ability fused glass course. This course is suitable for both beginners and those with some experience.


  • Available to Book
  • Jewellery, Fused Glass & Stained Glass
  • Onsite
Family Mindfulness with Pottery Onsite at Swarthmore L608a

Family Mindfulness with Pottery - L607b

10th January - 7th February
4:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Free

Tutor: Elena Rubiu

Spend some quality time with your little one by learning pottery handbuilding techniques. Learn some interesting facts about clay as well as how to decorate and glaze your pots.

  • Pottery & Sculpture
  • Health & Well-Being
  • Family Courses
  • Onsite
  • Available to Book
L631a

Mindfulness with Pottery Decorating - L632b

10th January - 7th February
1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Free - £50

Tutor: Elena Rubiu

During this course you will make items using the slab building method and the focus will be on the different mindful ways you are able to decorate your items.

  • Onsite
  • Pottery & Sculpture
  • Health & Well-Being
  • Available to Book
Drama confidence

Drama for Confidence - L362b

26th January - 8th March
1:00 PM - 3:30 PM
Free - £75

Tutor: Carrieanne Vivianette

This course is aimed at people who may be struggling with their confidence.

  • Onsite
  • Creative Writing & Drama
  • Available to Book
S602a

Pottery Sunday - S602b

7th January - 10th March
10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
£258 - £320

Tutor: Sally Bradley

A mixed-ability pottery course for anyone who would like to learn the basics or practice and develop existing skills.

  • Onsite
  • Pottery & Sculpture
  • Available to Book
S610a

Pottery Mixed Ability - S610b

1st January - 18th March
1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
£215 - £265

Tutor: Susie Willcox

An introduction to pottery including: coiling, slab building, using moulds, using the potters wheel, and glazing.

  • Onsite
  • Pottery & Sculpture
  • Available to Book
S611a

Pottery Mixed Ability - S611b

8th January - 18th March
6:30 PM - 8:30 PM
£215 - £265

Tutor: Susie Willcox

An introduction to pottery including: coiling, slab building, using moulds, using the potters wheel and glazing.

  • Onsite
  • Pottery & Sculpture
  • Available to Book
L529a

Wellness Oil Painting - L529b

9th January - 19th March
1:00 PM - 3:30 PM
Free - £125

Tutor: Joanne Whitaker

Focusing on mindfulness and relaxation through a variety of methods involving the use of oil paints.

  • Onsite
  • Arts & Crafts
  • Health & Well-Being
  • Available to Book
S612a

Pottery Mixed Ability - S612b

9th January - 19th March
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
£215 - £265

Tutor: Susie Willcox

An introduction to pottery including: coiling, slab building, using moulds, using the potters wheel and glazing.

  • Onsite
  • Pottery & Sculpture
  • Available to Book
S613a

Pottery Mixed Ability - S613b

9th January - 19th March
1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
£215 - £265

Tutor: Susie Willcox

An introduction to pottery including: coiling, slab building, using moulds, using the potters wheel and glazing.

  • Onsite
  • Pottery & Sculpture
  • Available to Book
S614a

Pottery Mixed Ability - S614b

9th January - 19th March
6:30 PM - 8:30 PM
£215 - £265

Tutor: Susie Willcox

An introduction to pottery including: coiling, slab building, using moulds, using the potters wheel and glazing.

  • Onsite
  • Pottery & Sculpture
  • Available to Book
Jewellery Making for All Tuesday Onsite at Swarthmore S805a

Jewellery Making for All (Tuesday) - S805b

9th January - 19th March
6:30 PM - 8:30 PM
£200 - £250

Tutor: Charlotte Whitmore

Learn basic jewellery making skills in our workshop environment, from silver soldering to simple stone setting.

  • Jewellery, Fused Glass & Stained Glass
  • Onsite
  • Available to Book
Mindful Jewellery Brooch Making Onsite at Swarthmore L831a

Jewellery for Health and Wellbeing - Mixed Media Jewellery - L832b

9th January - 19th March
2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Free - £110

Tutor: Charlotte Whitmore

On this course you will learn the traditional mindful art of jewellery making in a relaxed, inclusive and social space. Develop your creativity by exploring a range of different materials which you will use to make your own items of jewellery.

  • Jewellery, Fused Glass & Stained Glass
  • Health & Well-Being
  • Onsite
  • Available to Book
Fused Glass

Fused Glass - S824b

20th February - 19th March
10:00 AM - 12:30 PM
£124 - £155

Tutor: Catherine O'Sullivan

This is a mixed ability fused glass course. This course is suitable for both beginners and those with some experience.


  • Available to Book
  • Jewellery, Fused Glass & Stained Glass
  • Onsite
L509a

Mindful Suminagashi Water Painting - L509b

20th February - 19th March
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Free - £50

Tutor: Joanne Whitaker

A peaceful and meditative approach to creating decorative surface/papers. 

  • Onsite
  • Arts & Crafts
  • Available to Book
S600a

Pottery Mixed Ability - S600b

10th January - 20th March
6:30 PM - 8:30 PM
£215 - £265

Tutor: Sally Bradley

A mixed-ability pottery course for anyone who would like to learn the basics or practise and develop existing skills in a well-equipped studio, under the guidance of an expert tutor.

  • Onsite
  • Pottery & Sculpture
  • Available to Book
Creating Jewellery for health Well Being Stacking Rings Onsite at Swarthmore L830a

Mindful Jewellery - Ring Making - L830b

10th January - 20th March
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Free - £100

Tutor: Charlotte Whitmore

Learn the traditional art of jewellery, develop your creativity and make your own set of rings using copper wire and sheet.

  • Jewellery, Fused Glass & Stained Glass
  • Health & Well-Being
  • Onsite
  • Available to Book
Jewellery Making for All Wednesday Onsite at Swarthmore S806a

Jewellery Making for All (Wednesday) - S806b

10th January - 20th March
1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
£200 - £250

Tutor: Charlotte Whitmore

Learn basic jewellery making skills in our workshop environment, from silver soldering to simple stone setting.

  • Jewellery, Fused Glass & Stained Glass
  • Onsite
  • Available to Book
Sign Language

Sign Language Beginners - S400b

10th January - 20th March
1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
£132 - £176

Tutor: Kim Tizzard

This course provides an introduction to British Sign Language.

  • Available to Book
  • Languages & Culture
  • Onsite
S510a

Watercolour Mixed Ability - S512b

11th January - 21st March
1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
£170 - £220

Tutor: Joanne Whitaker

The course will cover basics and principles and some exploratory techniques, suitable for beginners and intermediate painters.  

  • Onsite
  • Arts & Crafts
  • Available to Book
S601a

Pottery Experienced - S601b

11th January - 21st March
6:30 PM - 8:30 PM
£215 - £265

Tutor: Sally Bradley

Develop your pottery skills and knowledge. Students must have attended 2 terms at Swarthmore and completed the beginners course or one of the mixed ability courses.

  • Onsite
  • Pottery & Sculpture
  • Available to Book
Drama Workshop Onsite at Swarthmore S360a

Drama Workshop - S360b

11th January - 21st March
7:30 PM - 9:30 PM
£60

Leeds Drama Workshop at Swarthmore - No formal teaching or learning, although a volunteer facilitator/organiser is present to support.

  • Creative Writing & Drama
  • Onsite
  • Available to Book
L519a

Wellness with Acrylics - L519b

11th January - 21st March
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Free - £110

Tutor: Joanne Whitaker

Develop confidence through painting with acrylics, suitable for beginners and experienced painters.

  • Arts & Crafts
  • Health & Well-Being
  • Available to Book
  • Onsite
L625a

Pottery for Wellbeing - Beginners - L625b

12th January - 22nd March
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Free - £100

Tutor: Susie Willcox

FULLY BOOKED - YOU CAN JOIN THE WAITING LIST

A wide range of handbuilding techniques including the pinch and coil pot, and three slab building techniques, as well as slip decorating. Throwing techniques covered will be: throwing cylinders and bowls, trimming and attaching handles.

  • Onsite
  • Pottery & Sculpture
  • Health & Well-Being
  • Available to Book
L626a

Pottery for Wellbeing - Step Up L626b

12th January - 22nd March
1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Free - £100

Tutor: Susie Willcox

FULLY BOOKED - YOU CAN JOIN THE WAITING LIST

Build on previously learnt skills in wide range of slow and mindful handbuilding and throwing techniques.

  • Onsite
  • Pottery & Sculpture
  • Health & Well-Being
  • Available to Book
Swarthmore Creative Writing Room S351a

Swarthmore Creative Writing Room - S351b

12th January - 22nd March
10:30 AM - 12:30 PM
£50 - £100

Tutor: Leonora Rustamova

A weekly meeting of Creative Writers. We will explore and revisit the main techniques of creative writing, look at a variety of styles and genres, edit and be edited. 

  • Creative Writing & Drama
  • Onsite
  • Available to Book
French

French Beginners - S410b

8th January - 25th March
1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
£176 - £132

Tutor: Ruth Collishaw

French for beginners. 

  • Languages & Culture
  • Onsite
  • Available to Book
Introduction to Patchwork Supported Course L170a

Step-up Patchwork - Supported Course - L172b

8th January - 25th March
1:00 PM - 3:30 PM
Free

Tutor: Imogen Adie

Enhance your sewing skills and create unique patchwork projects, for adult learners (19+) with learning disabilities / additional needs.

  • Supported Courses
  • Sewing & Textiles
  • Onsite
  • Available to Book
Painting and Drawing Supported Course L150a

Painting and Drawing AM - Supported Course - L150b

8th January - 25th March
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Free

Tutor: Clair Thompson

FULLY BOOKED - YOU CAN JOIN THE WAITING LIST

Drawing and Painting for students who require a supported environment. Explore a range of drawing and painting materials, media and techniques, including using paints, pastels and collage.

  • Supported Courses
  • Arts & Crafts
  • Onsite
Painting and Drawing Supported Course L150a

Painting and Drawing PM - Supported Course - L151b

8th January - 25th March
1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Free

Tutor: Clair Thompson

Drawing and Painting for students who require a supported environment. Explore a range of drawing and painting materials, media and techniques.

  • Supported Courses
  • Onsite
  • Arts & Crafts
  • Available to Book
Introduction to Patchwork Supported Course L170a

Introduction to Patchwork - Supported Course - L170b

8th January - 25th March
9:30 AM - 12:00 PM
Free

Tutor: Imogen Adie

This introduction to Patchwork course is for adult learners (19+) with learning difficulties / disabilities / additional needs. Introduction to sewing and making a patchwork bag.

  • Onsite
  • Sewing & Textiles
  • Supported Courses
  • Available to Book
French 1

French Step Up - S411b

8th January - 25th March
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
£176 - £132

Tutor: Ruth Collishaw

This course is for intermediate learners with some previous knowledge of the French language.

  • Languages & Culture
  • Onsite
  • Available to Book
L500a

Fantasy Art for Wellness - L500b

9th January - 26th March
6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
Free - £110

Tutor: James Armstrong

Learn to draw fantastic beasts, imaginary distant worlds and much more besides. 

  • Onsite
  • Online
  • Arts & Crafts
  • Available to Book
S705a

Pattern Cutting Advanced Plus - S707b

9th January - 26th March
1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
£185 - £240

Tutor: Alison Monroe

Make a pattern for a blouse/shirt design featuring yokes, sleeve design, facings, collar and cuffs, draft a dress block and be guided throughout your own project.

  • Onsite
  • Sewing & Textiles
  • Available to Book
Art Workshop Supported Course Onsite at Swarthmore L153a

Art Workshop - Supported Course - L153b

16th January - 26th March
1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Free

Tutor: Clare Marlow

FULLY BOOKED - YOU CAN JOIN THE WAITING LIST

The course is aimed at adults with Learning Difficulties/ Disabilities who are beginners or have experience of creating art. The course will cover a variety of art and craft projects.

  • Supported Courses
  • Arts & Crafts
  • Onsite
Maths Skills

Introduction to Maths (Tues) - Supported Course - L145b

9th January - 26th March
1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Free

Tutor: Imogen Adie

FULLY BOOKED - YOU CAN JOIN THE WAITING LIST

This introduction to maths course is for adult learners (19+) with learning disabilities / additional needs. Develop confidence with recognising and using numbers.

  • Supported Courses
  • Maths, English & ESOL
  • Onsite
Confidence Building Onsite at Swarthmore L321a

Confidence Building - L321b

9th January - 26th March
1:30 PM - 3:30 PM
Free - £110

Tutor: Catherine O'Sullivan

Improve your confidence in a friendly and supportive environment. 

  • Health & Well-Being
  • Onsite
  • Available to Book
IMG 2428

Pattern Cutting Step-up - S706b

9th January - 26th March
9:30 AM - 12:00 PM
£185 - £240

Tutor: Alison Monroe

This is a pattern cutting course for those who have completed the Pattern Cutting Introduction course.

  • Onsite
  • Sewing & Textiles
  • Available to Book
L550a

Drawing Nature - L550b

10th January - 27th March
1:00 PM - 3:30 PM
Free - £110

Tutor: Catherine O'Sullivan

Using pencil and charcoal you will learn how to draw nature to support positive mental health and well being. 

  • Onsite
  • Arts & Crafts
  • Available to Book
L340a

Mindful Art - L340b

10th January - 27th March
10:00 AM - 12:30 PM
Free - £138

Tutor: Catherine O'Sullivan

Learn mindful art techniques, keep a mindful art journal and end each session with a meditation.

  • Onsite
  • Arts & Crafts
  • Available to Book
L631a

Mindfulness with Pottery Handbuilding - Beginners - L631b

21st February - 27th March
1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Free - £60

Tutor: Elena Rubiu

Learn a wide range of handbuilding techniques including the pinch and coil pot, and three slab building techniques, as well as slip decorating and glazing. 

  • Onsite
  • Pottery & Sculpture
  • Health & Well-Being
  • Available to Book
IMG 3679

Fashion Upcycling - Wardrobe Revival - L704b

10th January - 27th March
9:30 AM - 12:30 PM
Free - £165

Tutor: Alison Monroe

A fun, innovative, budget conscious and creative upcycling fashion course enables you to bring to life a pre-loved garment or textile into a new and wearable fashion item. 

  • Onsite
  • Sewing & Textiles
  • Available to Book
English Skills 1

Introduction to English (Weds) - Supported Course - L142b

10th January - 27th March
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Free

Tutor: Amy Smith

This introduction to English course is for adult learners (19+) with learning disabilities / additional needs. Develop confidence with recognising letters and reading and writing.

  • Supported Courses
  • Maths, English & ESOL
  • Onsite
  • Available to Book
Maths Skills

Introduction to Maths (Weds) - Supported Course - L146b

10th January - 27th March
1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Free

Tutor: Imogen Adie

This introduction to maths course is for adult learners (19+) with learning disabilities / additional needs. Develop confidence with recognising and using numbers.

  • Supported Courses
  • Maths, English & ESOL
  • Onsite
  • Available to Book
Re Discover Leeds supported project P103a

Re-Discover Leeds - Supported Project - P103b

10th January - 27th March
10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Free

Tutor: Clair Thompson

Enjoy and evaluate visits to places of interest in the Leeds area. Reduces social isolation and improves social connectivity. Students can be accompanied by an external support worker.

  • Supported Courses
  • Available to Book
Family Mindfulness with Pottery Onsite at Swarthmore L608a

Family Mindfulness with Pottery - L608b

21st February - 27th March
4:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Free

Tutor: Elena Rubiu

Spend some quality time with your little one by learning pottery handbuilding techniques. Learn some interesting facts about clay as well as how to decorate and glaze your pots.

  • Pottery & Sculpture
  • Health & Well-Being
  • Family Courses
  • Onsite
  • Available to Book
L702a

Pattern Cutting Introduction - L702b

10th January - 27th March
1:30 PM - 4:00 PM
Free - £138

Tutor: Alison Monroe

An introduction to women's wear metric and creative Pattern Cutting - including drafting a skirt block pattern, before drafting a skirt block to your own measurements.

  • Onsite
  • Sewing & Textiles
  • Available to Book
L517a

Wellbeing Watercolour- Online - L517b

11th January - 28th March
7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Free - £110

Tutor: Joanne Whitaker

Online course using watercolour paint to develop skills and promote positive mental health.

  • Online
  • Arts & Crafts
  • Health & Well-Being
  • Available to Book
Learn to Paint with Procreate Online L900a

Learn to Paint with Procreate - Online L900b

11th January - 28th March
6:30 PM - 9:00 PM
Free - £138

Tutor: James Armstrong

Procreate is a user friendly and versatile digital painting software for the iPad. Learn techniques to create fantastic digital art. For beginners and those with some experience.

  • Arts & Crafts
  • Digital Skills & Employability
  • Online
  • Available to Book
Life Skills

Life Skills AM - Supported Course - L131b

11th January - 28th March
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Free

Tutor: Amy Smith

FULLY BOOKED - YOU CAN JOIN THE WAITING LIST

Improve your confidence and skills to help you communicate and become more independent in everyday life.

  • Supported Courses
  • Onsite
Life Skills

Life Skills PM - Supported Course - L132b

11th January - 28th March
1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Free

Tutor: Amy Smith

FULLY BOOKED - YOU CAN JOIN THE WAITING LIST

Improve your confidence and skills to help you communicate and become more independent in everyday life.

  • Supported Courses
  • Onsite
Creative Crafts Enterprise

Creative Crafts Enterprise for Supported Learners - Supported Project - P105b

11th January - 28th March
10:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Free

Tutor: Clare Marlow & Clair Thompson

An exciting enterprise project for supported learners. The project includes the planning and costing of the sessions and a crafting /arts session. The session will focus on the production of materials to sell in an external venue.

  • Onsite
  • Arts & Crafts
  • Supported Courses
  • Available to Book
1700060301503 KMF4 PJXTXRU99 HYL6 WRLHLKUKYCPEC4 X 999 1000

Dressmaking for Beginners - L710b

11th January - 28th March
10:00 AM - 12:30 PM
Free - £138

Tutor: Alison Monroe

You will have a choice to make 1 of 3 garments in this creative dressmaking course.

  • Onsite
  • Sewing & Textiles
  • Available to Book
L519a

Wellness with Acrylics - Online - L520b

12th January - 29th March
10:00 AM - 12:30 PM
Free - £125

Tutor: Joanne Whitaker

Develop confidence through painting with acrylics, suitable for beginners and experienced painters.

  • Online
  • Arts & Crafts
  • Health & Well-Being
  • Available to Book
Digital Skills

Digital Skills for Beginners - Supported Course- L905b

19th January - 29th March
12:30 PM - 3:00 PM
Free

Tutor: Imogen Adie

FULLY BOOKED - YOU CAN JOIN THE WAITING LIST

This course is for adult learners (19+) with learning disabilities / additional needs. Learn basic IT skills to get set for the world of digital technology.

  • Supported Courses
  • Digital Skills & Employability
  • Onsite
Level 1 Certificate in Introduction to Health Social Care and Childrens and Young Peoples settings F331a

Level 1 Certificate in Introduction to Health, Social Care and Children's and Young Peoples' settings - F331a

5th October - 25th July
9:30 AM - 3:30 PM
£30 Deposit

Tutor: Catherine O'Sullivan

CLOSED FOR ENROLMENT

This one year Level 1 NCFE accredited course will develop the knowledge and awareness of the Health, Social Care and Children’s and Young People’s sectors.

  • Onsite
  • Health & Social Care
English Skills 1

Introduction to English (Tues) - Supported Course - L141b

9th January - 26th March
10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Free

Tutor: Amy Smith

FULLY BOOKED - YOU CAN JOIN THE WAITING LIST

This introduction to English course is for adult learners (19+) with learning disabilities / additional needs. Develop confidence with recognising letters and reading and writing.

  • Supported Courses
  • Maths, English & ESOL
  • Onsite
English Skills 1

Introduction to English (Tues) - Supported Course - L143b

9th January - 26th March
1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Free

Tutor: Amy Smith

This introduction to English course is for adult learners (19+) with learning disabilities / additional needs. Develop confidence with recognising letters and reading and writing.

  • Supported Courses
  • Maths, English & ESOL
  • Onsite
  • Available to Book

Course Resources

If you are having any problems accessing your classes online, or have any technical issues after reading our guides, please call Marcus, our IT technician 07485 327790. 

What our students are saying

All great, excellent tutor, friendly atmosphere throughout the college. A very enjoyable experience!

Monica

Thank you very much for Family pottery course! My daughter and I enjoyed the sessions together. I highly recommend the course to anyone who want to do activity with child / children. Instructor was very friendly, helpful and informative.

Kumi

I did Oil Painting for Beginners and loved it. The atmosphere was relaxed, I learned a lot and enjoyed the company of my classmates. I'll be back - in fact, I've signed up for next term!

Anne

Brilliant jewellery course to make a ring in a day. Loved the quality of tuition, tools provided, and I'm delighted with the end result!
Location perfect for me as I could cycle there. Thank you - I'll be booking more courses!

Trina

Jewellery

Need more information?

If you would like to find out more about any of our courses, please get in touch. Our Student Support Team are always happy to help.

Contact us