Mary Ward Centre - Changing Lives Together

Mary Ward Centre - Changing Lives Together Specialises in Adult Education: Large enough to sustain a wide, relevant range of courses yet small The Mary Ward Centre is part of the Mary Ward Settlement.
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As a hub for adult learning, the Mary Ward Centre offer a diverse range of part-time courses covering arts and crafts, humanities, fitness, essential skills, and ESOL, all designed to fit seamlessly into the lives of Newham residents. For over a century, the Mary Ward Centre has been dedicated to lifelong learning in London. Founded as part of the Settlement Movement in the late 19th century, our

mission has always been to provide inclusive and accessible education to adults from diverse backgrounds. Known as “the friendly place to learn,” studying at Mary Ward is more than just attending a class—it's about becoming part of a supportive community. Many of our learners find camaraderie and friendship, making the educational journey both enriching and enjoyable. From art to Zumba, pottery to ukulele, computing & business to psychology, there is plenty of choice to meet your interests or practical needs. Some courses lead to a certificate so you can add to your qualifications, but there is also lots of opportunity to pursue study purely for the pleasure of learning. Visit our website at www.marywardcentre.ac.uk to discover more about us and become part of our vibrant community!

Learning doesn’t stop with our learners.At Mary Ward Centre, we know how important it is to keep learning and developing...
21/08/2026

Learning doesn’t stop with our learners.

At Mary Ward Centre, we know how important it is to keep learning and developing — and that applies to our staff too. This summer, while our classrooms are a little quieter, we’re taking the opportunity to build our team’s skills and prepare for the new academic year.

This week, we visited the Roland Berger team at their office for a tailored Excel training session, designed specifically around our needs and existing skills. Before the session, they took the time to understand our organisation and assess the participants’ Excel experience, allowing the training to focus on what would be most useful in our day-to-day work.

It was fantastic to see everyone so engaged and enthusiastic throughout the session, with plenty of questions, discussion and hands-on learning. We’re looking forward to putting these skills into practice, working more efficiently and continuing to improve the way we support our learners.

A big thank you to be/impact for arranging this opportunity, to Roland Berger for making the session so useful and enjoyable, and to everyone who took part!

Tai Chi is an ancient Chinese practice that combines slow, flowing movements with mindful breathing and relaxation. Ofte...
19/08/2026

Tai Chi is an ancient Chinese practice that combines slow, flowing movements with mindful breathing and relaxation. Often described as “meditation in motion”, it is can help improve balance, flexibility, posture, coordination and mobility, while also strengthening muscles and reducing stiffness.

Many people find that it helps them feel calmer, reduces stress and increases confidence in everyday movements such as walking, climbing stairs and getting up from a chair.

Our experienced Tai Chi instructor, Leon Fan, brings a friendly, enthusiastic approach to his classes. Young, approachable and passionate about Tai Chi, Leon will guide you through the movements at a comfortable pace and help you build confidence as you learn.

Whether you're completely new to Tai Chi or looking for a gentle way to stay active, come and experience it for yourself at Mary Ward.

🇮🇹 🇫🇷 Ciao! Bonjour! Language learning is always better face-to-face.Put down the apps and join us in the classroom to p...
14/08/2026

🇮🇹 🇫🇷 Ciao! Bonjour!
Language learning is always better face-to-face.

Put down the apps and join us in the classroom to practise speaking, listening and building confidence in a friendly and supportive environment.

Whether you're planning a trip abroad, learning for work or simply love languages, our Italian 1A and French 1A courses are the perfect place to begin your journey.

📅 Starting this September – book now to secure your place!

Meet Nicholas Baldion,  one of our new art tutors joining Mary Ward Centre this September.Nicholas is an award-winning p...
07/08/2026

Meet Nicholas Baldion, one of our new art tutors joining Mary Ward Centre this September.

Nicholas is an award-winning painter whose work has been exhibited at venues. Friendly, approachable and passionate about helping people develop their creativity, he believes that drawing and painting are about much more than learning techniques. For him, art changes the way we see the world, helping us notice more, think more deeply and express ourselves with confidence. His teaching combines strong foundations in drawing and painting with encouragement to develop your own creative voice and artistic style.

This September, Nicholas will be leading Drawing for Absolute Beginners, Portrait (Mixed Levels) and Drawing on Location. Whether you're completely new to art or looking to develop existing skills, you'll find a welcoming, supportive environment where curiosity, observation and creativity can flourish.

"I thought pottery was just about making things with clay. I didn't realise there was so much more to explore."When Glor...
05/08/2026

"I thought pottery was just about making things with clay. I didn't realise there was so much more to explore."

When Gloria joined our 6-week Evening Pottery course, she had never worked with clay before. Just six weeks later, she'd created a collection of bowls, small plates and even a clock face.

Along the way, she discovered that pottery is full of surprises.

*"Wheel throwing looks so easy in videos, but it's much harder than it seems! As I worked with the clay, I felt a real connection to the earth. It was challenging, but I'm so glad I gave it a try."*

Now Gloria already has ideas for her next projects and is looking forward to returning in September to continue her pottery journey.

Whether you're completely new to ceramics or looking to develop your skills, our pottery courses offer a welcoming space to experiment, learn and create.

Pottery courses are now open for September. We can't wait to see what you'll make.

Why do we dance in a circle? 🌍 In Circle Dance, the circle has no beginning and no end. It's a simple shape that creates...
23/07/2026

Why do we dance in a circle? 🌍

In Circle Dance, the circle has no beginning and no end. It's a simple shape that creates a wonderful sense of belonging and community.

Each session, Julia takes you on a journey around the world as you learn a variety of traditional and contemporary dances from different cultures. Some are lively and energetic, while others are slow and reflective. You'll dance in both large and small circles, moving together to music from across the globe.

One of the things our learners love most is that the group builds its own collection of favourite dances. When a dance is especially popular, it gets marked down and becomes part of the repertoire, ready to be enjoyed again in future sessions.

It's more than just a weekly class—it's a dance community that you become part of.

This Saturday, Julia will be leading a community Circle Dance session in The LightHouse & Gardens. Come along and experience the joy of dancing together!

16/07/2026

Ever walked into a room and wondered why it just feels right?

One of the simplest interior design tricks is to choose a focal point before you decorate. It could be a favourite piece of artwork, a statement chair or even a window with a beautiful view. Once you have a focal point, it's much easier to decide on colours, textures and furniture that work together.

Interior design isn't just about making a space look beautiful—it's about creating a home that feels comfortable, practical and reflects your personality.

If you'd like to learn more, our **Interior Design: Mood Board** workshop next Monday introduces the fundamentals of space planning, colour, texture, lighting and style. You'll also create your own mood board to help bring your ideas to life.

Whether you're redecorating your own home or simply curious about interior design, it's a great place to begin.

From heritage to artwork.Our Level 2 Certificate in Art & Design student, Tabita, has created this striking mixed-media ...
11/07/2026

From heritage to artwork.

Our Level 2 Certificate in Art & Design student, Tabita, has created this striking mixed-media installation inspired by the Baobab tree – often known as the "Tree of Life" in Africa.

Drawing on her own heritage, Tabita explores the Baobab as a symbol of community, resilience and generosity. Traditionally, the tree provides food, water, fibre and shelter, supporting generations of people and wildlife.

Every leaf tells a different story. Using techniques including printmaking, embroidery, patchwork and painting, Tabita has brought together a wide range of creative skills into a single piece. Topped with a bird and blossoming with handmade flowers, the work celebrates both cultural roots and artistic growth.

We're incredibly proud to see how our learners use art to express their experiences, identities and creativity. Congratulations, Tabita!

Inspired to develop your own creative practice? Applications for our Level 2 Certificate in Creative Craft (Art & Design) are now open for 2026–27. We look forward to welcoming the next generation of makers and artists.

At Mary Ward Centre, we believe that education can change lives. Our ESOL courses help people build confidence, improve ...
09/07/2026

At Mary Ward Centre, we believe that education can change lives. Our ESOL courses help people build confidence, improve their English, access further education, find employment and become active members of their communities.

If you're wondering what comes next, join us for ESOL Progression Day on 24 July, 11:00am–2:00pm.

Come along to explore further study opportunities, receive support with CV writing and interview skills, and get advice on the next steps in your learning journey. Whether you're continuing your studies or preparing for work, our team will be there to help.

Know someone who could benefit from learning English or taking the next step in their education? Please help us spread the word by sharing this post.

Address

275-285 High Street, Stratford
London
E152TF

Opening Hours

Monday 9:30am - 10pm
Tuesday 9:30am - 10pm
Wednesday 9:30am - 10pm
Thursday 9:30am - 10pm
Friday 9:30am - 10pm
Saturday 9:30am - 5pm

Telephone

+442072696000

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