Swarthmore Education Centre

Swarthmore proves that everyone deserves education regardless of age, ability or experience. They run a widely varied programme of workshops and courses in everything from visual arts and music to languages and maths. Check out their in person courses with times and teachers on the website. They offer a place for people to learn who might not feel comfortable in more formal education institutions. As well as courses they also have a counselling service and learning support.

It’s clear how community focused the centre is. They have areas where students can donate to the local food bank as well as a hardship fund available to those who would otherwise be unable to access education. This provides scholarships onto courses and is where every donation given to the centre is put into. They also put together community projects in the often underestimated areas of south Leeds, Beeston, Hunslet and Middleton.

Alongside the pedagogical programme sits an onsite cafe. Acting at the glue between community and classroom, having a light open space to sit, chat and enjoy a range of refreshments adds to the relaxed nature of the centre and helps build social ties beyond the end of courses.

The centre was originally founded by Quakers in 1909, with the intention to involve people in learning activities and ensure they were treated with respect and equality no matter who they were. Over the past century, Swarthmore has been one of the first places in Leeds to hold LGBT+ meetings, as well as providing education to thousands of people in a deliberately informal and homely setting. Now the grade II listed building contains a dance hall and art studios as well as having specialist facilities for pottery, jewellery, stained glass and sculpture.

It’s a truly welcoming place to all who are keen to learn, situated a very short walk away from Leeds city centre.