The Adult Residential Colleges Association (ARCA) was a group of 27 residential colleges in the United Kingdom. The association was based in Felixstowe, Suffolk, England.

ARCA colleges specialized in short-stay residential adult education courses for the general public. Many were run by local authorities, whilst others were operated by charitable trusts or similar organizations.

Adult Residential Colleges Association

Each college published its own programme of weekend, midweek and day courses, summer schools and courses leading to recognized qualifications. Most were offered just for the enjoyment of learning rather than for formal credit. Academic qualifications were not required of those who enrolled.

Adult Residential Colleges Association

Associated colleges

Anglia Leisure Learning in Suffolk

Alston Hall in Longridge, Lancashire

Belstead House in Ipswich, Suffolk

Benslow Music Trust in Hitchin, Hertfordshire

Braziers Park in Wallingford, Oxfordshire

Burton Manor in Burton, Cheshire

Debden House in Loughton, Essex

Denman College in Marcham, Oxfordshire

Dillington House in Whitelackington, Somerset

Farncombe Estate Centre in Broadway, Worcestershire

Hawkwood College in Stroud, Gloucestershire

Higham Hall in Cockermouth, Cumbria

Knuston Hall in Irchester, Northamptonshire

Lancashire College in Chorley, Lancashire

Missenden Abbey in Great Missenden, Buckinghamshire

Plas Tan y Bwlch in Blaenau Ffestiniog, Gwynedd

Wedgwood Memorial College in Barlaston, Staffordshire

West Dean College in West Dean, West Sussex

Westhope Craft College in Craven Arms, Shropshire

External links

ARCA website

Addresses of colleges

Further education colleges in England

Adult education in the United Kingdom

Adult Residential Colleges Association