During 2025/26, Fife's Adult and Family Learning programme continued to provide a wide range of learning opportunities designed to develop skills, confidence and wellbeing while supporting individuals and families to reach their full potential. Through a learner-centred approach, the programme helped people build knowledge, gain qualifications, improve employability and strengthen connections within their communities.

Adult Learning aims to create better-skilled, educated, confident and empowered individuals who can contribute positively to inclusive and connected communities. Throughout the year, learners accessed a diverse range of opportunities, including core skills development, digital learning, employability support, Adult Basic Education (ABE), English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL), health and wellbeing programmes, personal development courses and family learning activities.

The programme supported learners at every stage of their learning journey, recognising that education can improve not only skills and qualifications but also confidence, resilience and overall quality of life. Learning opportunities were delivered within local communities, helping to make education accessible and responsive to individual needs.

The impact of the programme has been reflected in the experiences of learners across Fife. Participants reported improvements in confidence, mental health and wellbeing, stronger social connections and greater belief in their ability to achieve personal goals. Many learners described gaining practical tools to help manage their wellbeing, while others highlighted the positive impact learning had on reducing stress and increasing their sense of belonging within their communities.

Family learning activities also continued to play an important role in strengthening relationships and supporting positive outcomes for both children and adults. Families described their participation as confidence-boosting and identified learning activities as a highlight of the year. By learning together, families were able to develop skills, create positive experiences and build stronger connections with schools, services and their wider communities.

Participation levels demonstrate the significant reach of Adult and Family Learning across Fife. More than 4,700 adults engaged in Adult Learning activity during the year, with 1,808 adults taking part in a wide range of community-based learning opportunities. Of these learners, 359 achieved a total of 569 accredited qualifications and awards, demonstrating tangible progress in skills development and personal achievement.

Health and wellbeing remained a key area of focus, with 525 learners participating in 33 adult learning projects designed to support physical health, mental wellbeing and personal resilience. Community food learning programmes also continued to make a valuable contribution, with 917 adult learners participating in food-related learning activities. As part of this work, 218 learners achieved food hygiene certification and 89 completed elementary cooking skills programmes, helping individuals develop practical skills that support healthier and more affordable lifestyles.

The programme also provided vital support for learners improving their literacy, numeracy and language skills. During the year, 631 learners participated in Adult Basic Education programmes and 689 learners accessed ESOL provision, helping individuals improve communication skills, increase confidence and access further learning, employment and community opportunities.

Family Learning continued to achieve significant engagement, with 1,894 adults and 3,586 young people participating in activities throughout the year. These opportunities helped strengthen family relationships, support educational attainment and encourage lifelong learning across generations.

This work supports the Plan for Fife priorities of Community Wealth Building and Leading Economic Recovery and Tackling Poverty and Preventing Crisis. It also contributes to ambitions around reducing poverty, improving educational attainment and ensuring that communities have access to high-quality learning and development opportunities. By supporting people to develop skills, gain qualifications and build confidence, Adult and Family Learning is helping individuals improve their life chances while strengthening communities across Fife.

Looking ahead, Adult and Family Learning will continue to provide accessible and inclusive opportunities that meet the needs of learners and communities. By building on the success of existing programmes and supporting more people to engage in learning, the service will continue to help individuals gain skills, improve wellbeing, progress towards employment and education, and contribute to stronger, more resilient communities across Fife.