Here at HOP we believe that opportunities to study in higher and further education should be accessible at all stages of life. Age should not be a barrier.
We support different routes into and through further and higher education, and an environment which helps adult learners and encourages you to pursue lifelong learning.
Adult learning can broaden horizons, build your networks and open doors. Whether you are looking for a new direction, to brush up on your skills, improve your job opportunities, seek some advice and guidance on a qualification, or a new pathway to a career, HOP are here to help.
Do you have imposter syndrome?
Thinking about going back into education as an adult can be exciting — but it can also come with self-doubt. Many learners find themselves wondering whether they really deserve to be there, or whether others are more “qualified” or confident. This feeling is often called imposter syndrome, and it’s something a lot of people experience, especially when stepping into something new.
Read David's story.
David our FE Coordinator talks about Imposter Syndrome.
Is It Time for a New Direction in Your Career?
Choosing to return to learning as an adult can feel like a big step — especially if you’re considering a change in career. Whether you want to build on existing skills or move into a completely new field, education can open up new opportunities at any stage of life.
In this blog, Rach, our Marketing and PR Coordinator, shares her personal journey from working in theatre to studying advertising and marketing at university.
Life Long Learning Week- From Theatre to MarketingInterview with an adult learner training to be a music teacher.
We interviewed Callum Bower- Smith a PGCE student training to be a music teacher at Hull College. Talking is through questions such as;
Why he choose to return to education in the arts.
If he thought being a mature student returning to education in the arts helped.
What he would say to a mature student thinking about returning to education in the arts.
This interview was to support the Festival Of Learning's #lifelonglearningweek celebrations of the arts day.
Interview about adult learners doing an arts degree.
We interviewed Alex Brook the technical resource manager for the drama department at the University of Hull Talking is through questions such as;
How many mature students they get a year on the drama course.
What a mature student brings to a drama course.
What he would say to a mature student thinking of returning to education in the arts.
This interview was to support the Festival Of Learning's #lifelonglearningweek celebrations of the arts day.
Helpful Links for Adult Learners
Whether you’re thinking about returning to learning, improving your skills, or exploring new opportunities, these resources are here to support you every step of the way.
🔗 Local Support & Adult Education
- Employment, Education & Skills (East Riding)
Help with learning, training, employment support and skills development in the East Riding area.
https://www.eastriding.gov.uk/learning/employment-education-and-skills/ - Training & Adult Education (Hull)
Find local adult education courses, training opportunities and support services in Hull.
https://www.hull.gov.uk/training-adult-education
📘 Career & Skills Guidance
- Skills for Careers – Adults
Explore different career pathways, skills development tools, and practical support for adults planning their next steps.
https://www.skillsforcareers.education.gov.uk/pages/adults
📚 Adult Learning Resources
- Education Hub – Adult Learning
Articles, advice and insights on adult learning, teaching practices and lifelong development.
https://educationhub.blog.gov.uk/category/adult-learning/
💡 Tip for Learners
Bookmark this page or save the links you find most useful — they’re designed to help you explore options, plan your next steps, and access support whenever you need it.