Mary Ward Centre Avis 

Mary Ward Centre was founded in an era where to learn was for one's own betterment or enlightenment and joy. Things have changed a bit in the last few decades but MW still offer an amazing range of courses with truly talented artisans and teachers. As a teacher myself, I appreciate learning in a group gently supported by teachers, where everyone helps one another and its not about testing, targets, accountancy and functional skills. Good mental health comes from making and creating. MW offers that excellent balance. Having said that, it is time for a growth spurt as everyone leaves for Stratford. Queen Sq is just a bus ride away but I will come to Stratford too, as I can reach it on the overground. It will be missed, but we best show our apprciation of what MW has represented, if we, the students are also part of the new beginning. We want it to succeed so we need to continue to support its invaluable work in a new neighbourhood.

Very disappointed that a 6 week course I had paid to attend was cancelled less than 24 hours before the day it was due to commence, this January.
The cancellation text message was very matter of fact.
I had phoned to make enquiries about any materials I needed to bring 3 days earlier. There was no mention of the class being cancelled. Surely they should know much earlier if numbers are viable.

A gem of college and a perfect place for studying after work. I enrolled on a Spanish course during Lockdown and loved it so much that I’m now on my 6th course. The teacher is excellent; encouraging, patience and fun, which makes learning Spanish a joy. Her classes are positive and inclusive where no one feels left behind. The courses are excellent value for money too. Would really recommend.

Polite and helpful staff in redemption, great class and teacher (tai chi Monday mornings), lovely cafe with lovely staff, lovely building and location. All great.

Such a friendly place and the range of courses is great - very wide ranging. Also very reasonably priced for a London college. I have done many courses there and the standard of teaching has always been excellent in all subjects. Highly recommended.

Excellent teachers
Good treatment from the all staff
Best ways of teaching

The Mary Ward Centre is more than simply a place of learning. It is a second chance from a better career training. It is a place of creativity. It is a place of healing too from illness for some. It is a place of safety and a place to find other like~minded thinking people who want the world to be a better, more friendly place.

I have been to many courses at the Mary Ward Centre in Bloomsbury and always found it an enjoyable experieence. But unfortunately the centre is relocating to Stratford, so I won't be going any more. I hope that the centre will be able to attract enough students from Stratford because I don't think people will travel from other parts of London when they can go to City Lit which is in a much better location.

A lovely, friendly setting where we make fabulous music in our string chamber groups, wonderfully taught and supported by inspirational tutors.

Excellent Stained Glass course with a great tutor - knowledgeable and keen to share his skills with class members at all skill levels

I've got to say this in the past I studied at Mary Ward Centre for some for years. I lean Hindi and English however now I have gone to preply. There is so much basic language I was not taught I am really upset about it, that is why I left! because I've started to tell the teachers words because my problem is why am I giving my time and pay my money. Why teachers did not teaching me the correct words! instead speaking with a Indian accent I went to language class not Indian accent class with English if you know what I mean. and then they replied that is how people speak. but I'm not there to learn Indian accent I'm there to learn a language. X student

My online weekly zoom Pilates class has kept me going during these strange times. Excellent tuition and friendly classes.

This is a really great place to study. The veggie cafe is also worth 5 stars. The only problem I have as someone who lives is South London is, when the Centre Moves, it’s going to be a long way, and expensive for anyone living in South London who doesn’t have a bus pass. Shame they couldn’t have moved centrally, although the cost would probably have been prohibitive.
Great place

I have given one star for the resolution of the issue, but subtracted three for the rudeness of the reception/admin/enrolling staff and other senior staff members that should know better, but do not.

My low score is for two separate issues.
i) Mary Ward has a big issue with admin staff at Queen Square not communicating in a respectful manner. This has happened many times over the years, and they really need to get some training in place.

If you don't like members of the public, have no patience, cannot calmly explain, then don't work on the front desk.

ii) There is also the issue of a supposed well respected Adult Education provider not respecting the needs of a disabled learner's specific support needs, which would allow them to be included in their own learning. This is illegal under equality law. There was complete disinterest shown by many in head positions, lamentable.

Was effectively fobbed off, with we do not have the budget, when they were funnelling millions into a new building - they most certainly did have money, but consigned a learner with a disability as not worthy...!

No one I spoke to wanted to take responsibility and resolve the issue, which in 21stC is disgraceful. They just wanted rid, in fact told by the head of MW can't you go nearer to where you live, which is illegal...and all for the hourly cost of a teaching support worker who spoke the disabled student's language.

With so little provision in AE and city lit becoming more and more corporate, there is little choice. I will still attend MW but have little respect for them and the dismissive manner I am spoken to by too many in whatever position.

Although, the man who resolved the enrolment issue was excellent and I think new! More fresh blood, with a can do attitude.

The most fantastic place for pure learning.

I love the Mary Ward. It's a happy, peaceful and welcoming place to learn. I've been to many different centres but Mary Ward has the best atmosphere thanks to thoughtful teaching, the mix of students and a friendly environment.

The tutors are helpful and informative. The Centre has offered flexible approaches to learning during Covid restrictions. Admin staff are attentive and respond quickly to enquiries. I have no hesitation recommending Mary Ward Centre to anyone looking to enrol.