to be shocked at the demise of adult education?

[Goldfsh]

Now I have an empty nest, I was hoping to start some adult education classes in academic topics that interest me, e.g. history or literature.

Having contacted the two local colleges who used to drop brochures for adult classes through the door, I've learnt that they don't exist any more!

There are some online classes, or courses to get back into work, and some painting type classes - or U3A if you are semi-retired (I am far from that unfortunately!). But no general education classes.

I found this very depressing. I really wanted to learn something new and connect with local people too. AIBU to be shocked that these sorts of classes are a thing of the past?

I'd put a teeny percentage tax on all City of London transactions to fund education. We all paid to bail out the banks. They can pay a small contribution to the gaiety of nations.

She's not doing it as part of work. She rearranged her part-time hours so she didn't work that day. Her employer is not paying for the course. Evening classes were available for this course, but would have taken two years instead of one.

There are several colleges near us who do offer part-time evening classes. I might go and look them up to see what they are offering. I know they don't appear to do GCSEs or A levels any more though, they all seem to be recreational, like photography, cake decorating and creative writing.

@strawgoh that's not really "day release" though. She's just changed the hours she works and is doing it in her spare time.
I assume it's for a specific qualification (accounting?).
It's good that courses for specific qualifications still exist but the OP appeared to be talking about ones that people do just because they are a bit bored and want to meet people.
The government can't afford to fund as many of those ones I am afraid.
Sad....but true 🙁

I am always depressed by the general public acceptance of the apparent government view that education is only to make us better employees.

Education is good for its own sake!

My original post was responding to someone else, that's all. The point is that her local college does do academic/professional classes in the evenings for adults. She could have chosen that option if she'd wanted to.