Quality Study Breaks throughout England, Wales and Northern Ireland

The ARCA colleges are a group of small colleges specialising in short-stay residential adult education courses for the general public. Many are run by local authorities whilst others are operated by charitable trusts or similar organisations. All are wholeheartedly committed to learning throughout life – learning for personal satisfaction.

Each college publishes its own programme of interesting weekend, midweek and day courses, summer schools and courses leading to recognised qualifications…. Most are offered just for the enjoyment of learning. You do not need academic qualifications to enrol – all you need do is complete a simple booking form and return it with your deposit or fee. Many colleges accept telephone bookings and credit card payments.

The Secret of Residential Learning…

Many of the colleges are historic houses set in beautiful countryside. Whatever the setting, getting away from the pressures and distractions of everyday life – even for a couple of days – is a great tonic. Combine this with one of your interests and you have all the ingredients for a great time. Experienced tutors are ready to help you take on fresh challenges, find sheer enjoyment in learning and help you become involved with like-minded people. Courses can be as intensive or relaxed as you want them to be: tutors are as varied and interesting as you could wish for.

Each ARCA college has a special atmosphere quite unlike any other sort of educational institution. That is our secret!

Stepping Stones…

Attending an ARCA college course can be a simple pleasure or something which, when looking back, can be seen as a turning point in your life. Short-stay courses can be the start of a journey to a formal course of study leading to recognised qualifications. The future is what you make of it.

Friendly & Comfortable...

The ARCA colleges are well-known for their great character and friendly welcome. No matter how stately or modest the location, you will always find the staff very supportive and willing to help. Accommodation extends from the simply comfortable to the grandly en-suite. Likewise the quality of the food ranges from the very good to the excellent and most dietary needs can be catered for. Many of the colleges have accommodation and facilities for people with disabilities. Prices obviously vary from college to college but the quality of the courses is always very good indeed.

Learning Together and Making New Friends…

Attending a short-stay residential course is an excellent way of making new friends and acquaintances. Through repeat visits familiar faces can soon become trusted friends and if you’re not too careful regular weekends away at an ARCA college can soon become a way of life.

An Enormous Range of Courses…

Each ARCA College offers an amazing array of courses designed especially for the adult learner. Their experience and commitment goes back many years. Individually and collectively, the experience of the ARCA colleges makes them second to none in providing quality residential adult education with fees which represent excellent value for money. ARCA regularly monitors the quality of courses and service offered by member colleges so that you can enjoy the experience of short-stay residential adult education. Look no further than the ARCA colleges and you will discover a world of learning which is guaranteed to enrich and inspire.

Further Information…

If all this sounds too good to be true then don’t just take our word for it - try it yourself!

To find out about the ARCA colleges telephone those of your choice from the list and ask for a free programme of courses.

The e-mail address is: arcasec@aol.com

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