Frequently asked questions

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

Registrations

We’re looking forward to welcoming new and returning learners to Conway Education Centre this September.

Please note: All of our courses are for adults aged 18 and over.

Accredited Courses (GCSE English & Maths, Essential Skills English, Maths and ICT)

Registration opens on Monday 3 August from 10.00am.

Registration for accredited courses is in person only at Conway Education Centre. As part of the registration process, you’ll complete a short assessment to ensure you’re enrolled on the right course.

Non-Accredited Courses / Short Courses

Registration opens on Monday 10 August from 10.00am.

You can register online, by phone (028 9024 8543), or in person at Conway Education Centre.

ESOL (Learning English)

Registration opens on Monday 17 August from 10.00am.

Registration for ESOL courses is in person only. New learners will be asked to complete an ESOL registration form and a short English language assessment before joining a class.

Registration policy

As places are offered on a first come, first served basis and fill very quickly, we encourage you to register as early as possible on the registration day to give yourself the best chance of securing a place.

We look forward to welcoming you to Conway Education Centre this September.

For accredited courses (Essential Skills and GCSEs) and ESOL English, 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

Our current Essential Skills courses are now full, and we are no longer accepting registrations for this term.

The next courses will begin in September, with registration usually opening around August. Please check our website and social media (Facebook and/or Instagram) for confirmed dates and updates, and we encourage early registration as places are limited and fill quickly.

Our most recent Pottery Workshop has now taken place, and the next workshop is not yet confirmed.

These sessions are designed for adults who would like to explore pottery in a creative and relaxing way using traditional hand-building techniques (no pottery wheel required). They are suitable for beginners as well as anyone interested in a more hands-on, mindful approach to pottery.

Please keep an eye on our website (Upcoming Courses) and social media (Facebook and/or Instagram) for updates on future workshops and registration details.

No refunds can be issued once the course has started.

ESOL (Learning English)

Yes. Registration for our next ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) courses is expected to open around August–September in-person, with classes beginning in September.

Classes take place once a week and are available for learners from Absolute Beginner to Upper Intermediate level. Your class will be based on your current level of English, which is determined through a short English language assessment completed as part of the registration process.

Please keep an eye on our website and social media (Facebook and/or Instagram) for confirmed registration dates and updates. As places are limited and fill quickly, we recommend registering as soon as registration opens.

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 (English for Speakers of Other Languages) 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.

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.

Centre Facilities

Yes. Conway Education Centre has accessible toilets and two lifts to help you access the building.

If you are using a wheelchair, mobility aid, or a pram, we recommend using the lift at the back of the building, as it provides step-free access into the centre. Simply use the buzzer at the rear entrance, and a member of staff will let you in.

There is also a lift at the front of the building. Please note that there are a few steps between this lift and the main entrance to the centre, so it may not be suitable for wheelchair or pram access.

If you have any questions about accessibility or need assistance before your visit, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

Yes, free parking is available directly in front of the building, as well as in the parking bays at the side of the building.

Please note that spaces can be limited during our busiest times, particularly in the morning (10.00am–12.00pm) and in the evening (5.00pm–8.00pm).

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.