Sandwell Adult and Family Learning, also known as SAFL is the adult education department of Sandwell Council. Open to those aged 19+ who live in Sandwell or the West Midlands area. They offer both day-time and evening courses and all courses are part-time so that they fit in with your busy schedule, delivered across all six Sandwell towns at over 30 venues.SAFL was rated “GOOD” by Ofsted in February 2018.SAFL offers a wide and varied range of courses including skills courses such as English, Maths, and ICT, First Aid as well as other interest courses such as sewing, painting and flower arranging. You’re sure to find something on offer that grabs your interest or helps you to up-skill and retrain.
Imagine walking into a friendly, vibrant centre where English, ICT, and essential workplace skills are taught with warmth and purpose—this is The Ron Davis Centre, tailored for learners aged 19+, right in the heart of Smethwick.
1. School Setup & Facilities
- Community Hub with Full Accessibility
Located on Ballot Street, Smethwick B66 3HH, the Centre is fully equipped with wheelchair-accessible entrances, restrooms, and seating—ensuring a welcoming environment for all.
ZaubeeMimojiSandwell Council - Modern Classrooms & Digital Resources
Following a £360,000 expansion completed in August 2023, two new digital classrooms were added—enhancing technology-enabled learning and extending evening and weekend availability.
2. History & Reputation
- Part of SAFL: Community-Centered Learning Since Mid-20th Century
The Ron Davis Centre forms part of the Sandwell Adult and Family Learning Service (SAFL)—Sandwell Council’s official adult education provider. SAFL supports learners across six towns via 30+ venues.
learnsafl.ac.ukSandwell Council - Strong Ofsted and Community Standing
SAFL maintains a “Good” rating from Ofsted (2018), reflecting high-quality adult and family learning standards. The Centre itself is revered locally, earning an average 4.8/5 rating from learner reviews.
3. Classes & Curriculum
- Wide Range of Courses Tailored for Adults
The Ron Davis Centre offers:- Functional Skills in English, Maths, and ICT (up to Level 2, equivalent to GCSE)
- First Aid Training, Family Learning, Vocational Courses, and Creative Workshops
learnsafl.ac.ukSandwell Council
- Career and Life-Ready Learning
Learners benefit from broad services including apprenticeship and traineeship support, work experience programs, internships, careers advice, and tailored outreach for traditionally underserved groups.
4. Student Experiences & Reviews
- Real Transformations Spark Confidence “Returning to education has really boosted my confidence… I made loads of new friends … I call them my study buddies.”
— Farzana, learner who returned after 19 years
Regenerating Sandwell - Life-Saving Skills in Action
Learner Michael credits a recent First Aid course from the Centre for empowering him to administer CPR when a stranger collapsed on a bus—inspiring a real-life rescue. - Warm, Student-Focused Atmosphere
Reviews consistently highlight the friendly staff, supportive learning environment, and effective teaching, especially in English and maths.
5. Cultural & Lifestyle Appeal
- Local, Convenient, Community-Oriented
Sitting on Smethwick’s Ballot Street, the Centre is embedded in a practical, suburban setting—perfect for learners balancing life, work, or familial responsibilities. - Evening & Weekend Access
Expanded hours mean you can attend classes after work or over the weekend, making it ideal for busy adults.
6. What Makes The Ron Davis Centre Stand Out
| Feature | What Makes It Stand Out |
|---|---|
| New Digital Classrooms | Upgraded learning spaces with modern tech—part of a £360,000 recent expansion. Regenerating SandwellSandwell Council |
| Wide Adult-Focused Curriculum | From English and ICT to first aid and family learning, there’s something for every adult learner. learnsafl.ac.ukRegenerating Sandwell |
| Strong Community Impact | Courses include outreach, career advice, and tailored support for underrepresented groups. Regenerating Sandwelllearnsafl.ac.uk |
| Empowering Learner Outcomes | Real stories—from confidence regained to life-saving skills—reflect the Centre’s practical impact. Regenerating Sandwell |
| Flexible Access & Quality Assurance | Evening classes, top Ofsted ratings, and accessible campus make learning welcoming and reliable. |
7. Practical Details
- Opening Hours
- Monday & Thursday: 08:30–20:00
- Tuesday & Wednesday: 08:30–16:30
- Friday: 08:30–16:00
- Closed on Saturdays and Sundays
find-open.co.ukZaubee
- Contact & Access
- Phone: 0121 555 6255
- Website: Via SAFL at [learnsafl.ac.uk]
sandwellfamilylife.infolearnsafl.ac.uk+1
- Support & Accessibility
- Fully accessible venue
- Guided learning, including CV support, career advice, and learning mentors
Picture Yourself Succeeding Here…
Envision returning to education after years away, where tutors help build your skills and community in a conversation class, and you walk away feeling confident again. Or imagine learning CPR and using that training to actually save a life—not just in theory. At The Ron Davis Centre, it’s not just about “learning a second language”, it’s about regaining purpose, power, and community.
