Frequently asked questions

Have a question? Browse our FAQs to see if it’s already been answered.

Registrations

Accredited courses (Essential Skills English, Maths and ICT):
Registration opens Wednesday 7 January 2026 from 10am, in person at the centre. A short assessment will be completed before enrolment.

Non-accredited courses / Short Courses:
Registration opens Monday 19 January 2026 from 10am, available online, by phone, and in person.

ESOL (Learning English):

New ESOL courses have now been confirmed and will begin on 15 April. Registration opens on Monday 23 March from 10am in person.

New students will be asked to complete an ESOL registration form and a short English language assessment before joining a class. There are limited places available for new students.

For accredited courses (Essential Skills and GCSEs), registration takes place in person at the centre. As part of the process, you’ll complete a short assessment so we can place you on the right level before enrolment.

For unaccredited or leisure courses, you can register directly through the ‘Upcoming Courses’ page, phone us on 028 9024 8543, or visit the centre during the advertised registration times.

All updates on registration periods are shared here on our website as well as on our Instagram and Facebook pages, so please keep an eye on those for the latest information.

Registration periods vary depending on the type of course:

  • Essential Skills usually open for registration twice a year, once in August for the Autumn semester and again in January for the Spring semester.

  • GCSE courses only accept registrations in August.

  • Non-accredited courses normally open for registration in September (for October start dates) and in February (for March start dates).

  • Workshops open for registration throughout the year, depending on availability.

All registration dates are announced on our website and social media, so we encourage you to check regularly for updates.

Courses & Workshops

Due to high demand, we’re planning an Easter Pottery Workshop in April 2026. Keep an eye on our social media for the official announcement and registration details.

No refunds can be issued once the course has started.

ESOL (Learning English)

Essential Skills English is for learners who already use English confidently in daily life and want to improve their reading, writing, speaking and listening for work, study or personal goals. These courses follow an accredited programme and lead to recognised qualifications.

ESOL (Learning English) is designed for people whose first language isn’t English and who want to build their skills from beginner level upwards. ESOL focuses on practical English for everyday communication and helps learners gain confidence living and working in the UK.

Both options support your progress, but the right course depends on your current level of English and what you hope to achieve. We’re always happy to help you choose the best starting point.

New ESOL courses have now been confirmed and will begin on 15 April. Registration opens on Monday 23 March.
 
The courses will run on the same days and times as the current classes:
  • Absolute Beginners: Wednesday, 10.00am–12.00pm
  • Beginners: Thursday, 11.00am–1.00pm
  • Intermediate: Wednesday, 10.00am–12.00pm
 
The programme will run for 8 weeks, finishing on Thursday 4 June.
 
Current ESOL students will be invited to confirm whether they wish to continue, and places will also be available for new learners. New students will be asked to complete an ESOL registration form and a short English language assessment before joining a class. There are limited places available for new students.

homework club (Students & Parents)

Homework Club provides homework support for primary and secondary school students from refugee and asylum-seeker backgrounds. Our staff and volunteers come from a wide range of backgrounds and work with students to help them understand their schoolwork, build confidence, and develop independent study skills. We place a strong emphasis on supporting English language development.

Homework Club runs Monday to Thursday during term time, from 3.30–5.00pm.

We don’t offer dedicated transfer test tutoring, but we can support children with transfer test homework as part of Homework Club.

Registration takes place in person at Conway Education Centre. Please arrange an appointment by emailing ehawkins@conwayeducation.org.

Children can join at any time during the year; however, we encourage parents to register in August, as this is our busiest period. There is a waiting list, but we work hard to move through it as quickly as possible.

No. Children must have a confirmed school place before they can join Homework Club.

Yes. We can share information about a wide range of clubs and activities available across North and West Belfast, including sports clubs, youth groups, Scouts and Guides, and arts-based activities such as music, dance, and drama.

Where possible, we also provide details on locations, approximate costs, and contact information to help you find activities that best suit your family’s interests and needs.

homework club (Volunteers)

No, you don’t need to be an expert. Basic subject knowledge is enough. The role of a volunteer is not to complete a child’s work for them, but to support them in understanding their tasks and building confidence to work independently.

The most effective volunteers are patient, flexible, open, and friendly.

To become a volunteer, you’ll complete a short application form and attend a meeting with the Centre Manager. All volunteers must complete an Access NI check, which is provided at no cost to you.

You’ll then be invited to an induction session where you’ll meet the team, learn more about Homework Club, and receive guidance on your role. This also helps us get to know you, your interests, and your availability. Ongoing support from staff is provided throughout your volunteering.

As a volunteer, you’ll support children and young people with their homework and learning. You may work one-to-one with a student or support a small group, depending on the session.

We value volunteers who are flexible, creative, and able to take initiative. Reliability and consistency are important, as students benefit from seeing familiar faces each week. When homework is finished, volunteers may also support additional activities such as games, reading, or conversation practice.

The time commitment is 1.5 hours per week during term time.

Volunteering with Homework Club is a rewarding way to gain experience working with children and young people, develop communication and teamwork skills, and make a meaningful difference in your community.

Volunteers can strengthen their CV, receive references for future employment or study, and build confidence through hands-on experience. We also value and celebrate our volunteers and invite them to events such as our Christmas lunch, celebration of achievement, and summer scheme activities.

Most importantly, many volunteers tell us that the greatest reward is seeing students grow in confidence and knowing they have played a part in that journey.

Still have a question?

If your question isn’t answered here, you can email us at info@conwayeducation.org or call us on 028 9024 8543.