The Workers' Educational Association is a voluntary provider of adult education without party political or religious ties which offers learning opportunities to those who wish to continue learning throughout life, those who wish to return to education, collective bodies such as trade unions, women's groups and community organisations and those who are socially, economically or educationally disadvantaged. The WEA is a democratic body governed by its members.
Courses are open to all adults and there are no entry tests or requirements.
The Eastern District WEA runs three kinds of courses. Liberal Courses are offered by local voluntary branches and include literature, art history, music appreciation, history, psychology, philosophy, natural history, science, politics, counselling and assertiveness. Some courses are run jointly with the University of Cambridge and offer accreditation to students. Outreach courses are designed for people who have missed out on their education in the past because of social, economical, or physical factors. Workplace courses provide for the needs of people in their place of work or the community and include pre-retirement education, training for volunteers, communication skills, deaf studies and trade union studies.