Adults proved learning is an accessible life long project last year when almost 17,000 went back to school.

Around seven per cent of Croydon's over 18s last year returned to education for the first time since they finished compulsory qualifications, when they began courses co-ordinated by Croydon's Continuing Education and Training Service (CETS).

According to the CETS 2000/2001 Annual Report, course enrolments totalled 32,515, equating to 16,658 individual learners.

In recognition of its improvement CETS won the Guidance Council's Quality Mark for delivery of information.

Croydon's cabinet member for education, Councillor Louisa Woodley, said CETS is rousing interest from all areas of the community by improving the range and accessibility of its courses.

She added: "CETS was the only adult education provider in England to have been awarded the Charter Mark for the third time last year."