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A “dedicated group of local volunteers” are filling the gap left when funding was cut for local WEA courses, offering lectures and talks in Enfield Town that will be “a source of personal inspiration, shared experiences and lasting friendships”.

Initial subjects taught at Enfield and Southgate Lifelong Learning (ESLL) classes include the history of artistic movements, philosophy and history - both local and international.

Below you can read how ESLL came to be set up and what they aim to provide, plus a list of the autumn term courses.

Rediscover the joy of learning with Enfield and Southgate Lifelong Learning

Lifelong learning is a powerful way to stay curious, keep the mind active, and connect with a likeminded community. For adult learners, the opportunity to dive into new subjects is about far more than just formal education - it is a source of personal inspiration, shared experiences and lasting friendships. It is this exact passion for discovery that inspired a dedicated group of local volunteers to come together and launch Enfield and Southgate Lifelong Learning (ESLL), ensuring a bright, independent future for adult education right on our doorstep.

202609 samuel palmer

The autumn term launches on 5th September with an afternoon art lecture, Samuel Palmer and the Ancients. Click on the image for details.

The autumn term launches with an afternoon talk, Samuel Palmer and the Ancients, on 5th September. Click on the image for details.

Our aim is to provide in-person courses that are fun and encourage participation but still challenge and enable us to expand our knowledge. We started in January 2026 initially offering three courses, in the summer added a fourth course and are now adding further subjects.

Located in central Enfield, the courses are two hours per session and five or six weeks long, taught by highly qualified and experienced tutors.

ESLL is an organisation run by volunteers with the intention of running high quality courses open to all. As a democratic, not-for-profit group we are able to keep our costs manageable at £9 per hour, which covers room hire and the cost of employing our tutors. A membership fee of £8 per academic year is charged to cover insurance, website and internet fees, and any other administrative expenses.

We are going from strength to strength and are running a range of diverse courses this autumn. These are History, Philosophy, Local / Social History and Art History.

Some of the topics we will be covering:

  • a discussion about whether morals can be objective;
  • the influence of the Bloomsbury Group;
  • important industries in the development of Enfield;
  • and how crisis and revolution led to the collapse of the Ottoman Empire.

Whether you want to delve into history, explore the arts, enjoy a lively debate or simply meet likeminded people, ESLL offers a friendly local space to expand your horizons. If you would like to join us and would like further information about our courses and enrolment please click on the link below.

Visit the ESLL website

ESLL courses this autumn

Samuel Palmer and the Ancients

Saturday 5th September (1 Session)


Philosophy: The Big Questions

Tuesdays – 8th September to 13th October (No class 15th September) (5 Sessions)


Art Appreciation – Bloomsbury: Modernism & Myths

Thursdays – 10th September to 15th October (No class 24th September) (5 Sessions)


Enfield and the Industrial Revolution

Fridays – 11th September to 16th October – (6 Sessions)


The Ottoman Empire – Crisis, Revolution & Collapse 1896-1914

Tuesdays – 20th October to 24th November – (6 Sessions)

More details and to book

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