Learn for less in 2026: Free or low-cost adults courses at RNN Group
They say the best things in life are free. And when it comes to learning, that old saying has never felt more true here at the RNN Group.
From online courses to community-led classes, adults in South Yorkshire and North Nottinghamshire have access to an incredible range of free or low-cost courses that can spark new interests, build confidence or open doors to fresh opportunities.
Whether you’re curious, career-minded, or simply love learning for learning’s sake, there’s never been a better time to invest in yourself without spending a fortune.
Here’s how you can learn for less in 2026 with the help of RNN Group.
Free online distance learning courses
There’s an F-word we’re more than happy to repeat when it comes to distance learning: Free. Add in flexible study options and fast completion, and you’ve got a learning model that adults can swear by for upskilling.
Distance learning fits neatly around real life. You can study where you want, when you want, as it’s all done online at a pace to suit you. There’s no guilt, no huge commitment and no big price tag.
Our distance learning courses are all accredited by CACHE and you’ll have between two and four months to complete them depending on how many modules there are.
If you live in South Yorkshire and are over 19 with a full level 2 qualification or above, you’ll pay absolutely zilch towards your course fees. What is there to lose?
Here’s an idea about some of the free distance learning courses we offer at RNN Group.
Health and Social Care:
- Cancer Support
- Care Planning
- Caring for Children and Young People
- Common Health Conditions and Childhood Illnesses
- Counselling Skills
- Dementia or End of Life Care
- Dignity and Safeguarding in Adult Health and Social Care
- Diabetes Care and Management
- Falls Prevention
- Infection Control and Prevention
- Mental Health Problems Awareness
- Nutrition and Health
- Personal Care Needs
- Safe Handling of Medicines
- Safeguarding and Prevent
- Understanding Autism
- Understanding Behaviour that Challenges
- Understanding Domestic Abuse
- Understanding Specific Learning Disabilities
Workplace Skills:
- Business Administration
- Business Improvement Techniques
- Cleaning Principles
- Climate Change and Environmental Awareness
- Creating A Business Start-up
- Customer Service Principles
- Cyber Security Principles
- Data Protection and Security
- Equality and Diversity
- Information, Advice and Guidance
- Lean Organisation Management Techniques Managing Your Money
- Mental Health First Aid and Mental Health Advocacy in the Workplace
- Retail Operations
- Team Leading
- Warehousing and Storage Principles
- Understanding Workplace Violence and Harassment
For more information contact 01709 513213 or email Distancelearning@rnngroup.ac.uk.
Community courses
If you’ve ever thought “I’d love to try that, but I don’t want to spend loads of money”, community courses are a great place to start.
They’re designed to be low-cost (and often free), making it easy to give something new a go without any financial pressure.
Whether it’s improving your digital skills, learning sign language, getting creative, or building confidence, these courses are all about improving your wellbeing as well as learning a new skill.
Many of the community courses are arts and crafts based. You could develop your skills in things like crochet, machine sewing, garment making, glass painting, floral design or seasonal crafts.
There are also courses in interests such as book publishing, BSL and deaf awareness, and IT skills. We also offer a variety of ESOL courses that combine communication skills with crafts.
All our community courses are delivered weekly in community venues over a short period of around ten weeks, with morning and afternoon sessions available to suit your needs.
You’ll be studying in a relaxed, supportive environment with people who are doing it for the same reasons you are – curiosity, confidence, or a fresh start. Learning alongside like-minded people from your local area can make the experience feel less intimidating and more social, with tutors who understand local needs and challenges.
And if you discover a new passion along the way, it could inspire you to look at what other learning opportunities for adults we have at RNN Group, from vocational qualifications to higher education courses, so you can keep building your skills as far as you want to take them.
Many of our courses are free, particularly if it’s your first time doing a community course, however there is a £100 charge for some intermediate and advance classes.
Due to demand, our free community courses are continually expanding across the Rotherham and North Nottinghamshire area.
We currently run community courses in areas such as:
- Rotherham town centre and Treeton (S60)
- Greasbrough, Kimberworth and Thorpe Hesley (S61)
- Rawmarsh and Wentworth (S62)
- Manvers, Thurnscoe, Goldthorpe and Bolton (S63)
- Swinton, Wath and Mexborough (S64)
- Dalton, East Dene and Eastwood (S65)
- Bramley, Maltby and Wickersley (S66)
- Dinnington (S25)
- Aston (S26)
- Cortonwood (S73)
- Tickhill (DN11)
- Retford (DN22)
Find our full list of community courses here.
CSCS Test for just £50
Thinking about working in construction or trying a hands-on career? The CSCS test can be your way in – and it doesn’t have to cost the earth.
For adults looking to work in construction, the CSCS test is often an essential first step.
RNN Group now offers the Construction Skills Certification Scheme (CSCS) at our new Logistics Hub on Rawmarsh Road in Rotherham.
The course is £50 which includes the crucial end-point assessment that tests your knowledge and competency in construction-based health, safety and environmental practices. On passing the course, you will be awarded the CSCS green card which will enable you to work on construction sites.
With construction skills still in demand in 2026, passing the CSCS test can be particularly valuable for career changers, jobseekers or anyone returning to work after time away.
As well as opening the door to site work, it may also inspire you to move on to vocational training courses that we offer across the construction industry – whether that’s joinery, plumbing, electrical installation or bricklaying.