How to enrol
You can enrol online and make payment by credit or debit card at login. You can also enrol at any of our stores during opening hours.
Information on Ceramics and Pottery courses running from Monday 22 April 2024 will be available to view in the online course search from Monday 18 March. Enrolments will be open online and across idea stores from 10.00am on Monday 25 March. Please note all payments need to be made at the time of enrolment.
How to enrol online
To enrol online
- visit the course search page
- select the search for courses button
- you will open the enrolment system where you can search for various courses.
You will need to register to create an account. If you are paying a concession you must provide evidence by uploading it to the system. If you enrol on a course that is fully booked, you will be added to the waiting list.
What do I need when I enrol?
If you are claiming a concession fee, you will need to enrol online and upload proof of your benefit or other status. You will also need to provide photographic ID, such as a passport. If you are a returning learner who uploaded proofs in the previous term, you are not required to do so again.
Confirmation of enrolment
- All our courses work on a ‘first come, first served’ basis
- Enrol early to avoid disappointment
- All learners who enrol on a course will receive a receipt from Idea Store Learning together with an enrolment confirmation.
Course information
Course information is provided on the Idea Store curriculum pages. An outline is also available on each course on the enrolment course details screen.
Not sure what courses we offer? Take a look at our alphabetical subject list.
If you want to join an ESOL class (English for Speakers of Other Languages) you will need to have a one-to-one interview with an ESOL specialist who will find the right course for you.
If you need any other course information please visit our Frequently Asked Questions page.
ESOL, English and Maths Courses
Before enrolling on an ESOL, English or Maths course, you will need to have an assessment. For more information about this and to add your name to one of our enquiry lists, please see our ESOL, English and Maths page.
Learner Support and Assisted Learning
If you have declared
- a learning difficulty
- disability or
- support need whilst enrolling
and you need support/assistance in class or to complete your course, please discuss your needs with your tutor at the first lesson. If you are studying in an online group, then arrange a one-to-one with your tutor after the session or by email.
Health screening questionnaires
If you wish to enrol on a fitness or dance course you need to complete a health questionnaire. When enrolling online you will find the electronic form at the end of the process. Please note it is compulsory to complete this form only once for the academic year.
Cookery courses
We run an Food Safety in Catering course by the Highfield awarding body. Tower Hamlets Council also offers food training courses. All courses are certificated and based on the Chartered Institute of Environmental Health (CIEH) criteria. Food training courses.
PC access
Public computers that can be used by Idea Store members for free can be found in all the Idea Stores and libraries. Computers must be booked in advance. Free Wi-Fi access is available at all locations. Find out how to use a computer at Idea Store.
Learning resources
Study and Learn at Home offers Idea Store members free access to a wide range of resources, including
- eBooks
- audiobooks
- journals
- magazines
- dictionaries
- encyclopaedias
See our eLibrary page and our other free online service.
Contact us
If you are having difficulty accessing online enrolment, please email learnerservices@towerhamlets.gov.uk. If you are a pensioner or do not have access to digital resources, you can call 020 7364 5665 to enrol.
Please have your credit/debit card ready. Lines are open 10am – 4.30pm, Monday to Friday. (We cannot share course information over the phone - visit ‘Course Search’ and FAQs section).