Improve Your Cooking Skills
What is the Improve Your Cooking Skills course?
The Improve Your Cooking Skills course at West Notts College is a practical evening course designed to help adults build confidence in the kitchen while preparing delicious, affordable and nutritious meals. Whether you're cooking for yourself, your family or simply want to expand your recipe collection, this hands-on course will teach you valuable techniques that you can use every day.
Delivered in small, supportive adult-only groups, you'll learn from experienced tutors through a series of themed cooking sessions. If you've been away from education for a while, don't worry. Our tutors have extensive experience supporting adult learners and will guide you throughout the course.
After completing the course, you'll have the opportunity to progress onto our Spice Kitchen course to continue developing your cooking skills.
Who should study the Improve Your Cooking Skills course?
This course is ideal for adults aged 19 and over who:
- Want to become more confident in the kitchen
- Are looking to prepare healthier, home-cooked meals
- Want to save money by cooking from scratch
- Would like to learn new recipes and cooking techniques
- Enjoy trying different cuisines
- Are returning to education and want to learn in a friendly, supportive environment
No previous cooking experience is required.
What will you learn on the Improve Your Cooking Skills course?
Throughout the course, you'll prepare a variety of tasty, affordable meals while developing practical kitchen skills.
Topics include:
- Smart cooking techniques
- Healthy breakfast ideas
- Meat-free meals
- Family fakeaways
- Speedy weekday suppers
- Batch cooking and freezer-friendly meals
- Cooking fish with confidence
- Budget-friendly meat dishes
- Vegetarian recipes
- World cuisines and flavours
- Healthy desserts and snacks
By the end of the course, you'll have the confidence to prepare a wider range of meals while reducing food waste and making the most of your food budget.
When does the Improve Your Cooking Skills course start?
- Monday 7 September to Monday 14 December 2026 (13 weeks)
When do classes take place?
Classes take place every Monday from 5.30pm to 8.30pm at our Derby Road campus in Mansfield.
How much does the Improve Your Cooking Skills course cost?
- FREE for eligible new learners*
- £7.50 per session for returning learners on a low income*
- £15 per session for returning learners on a higher income*
*Please contact us to check your eligibility for free or reduced-cost learning.
How is the Improve Your Cooking Skills course delivered?
The course is delivered face-to-face in our professional training kitchens at West Notts College's Derby Road campus in Mansfield. Sessions combine tutor demonstrations with practical cooking, allowing you to prepare dishes while receiving individual guidance and support.
How do I apply for the Improve Your Cooking Skills course?
Simply click the Register your interest button in the Course Information section of this page. A member of our Adult Learning team will contact you with further information and guide you through the enrolment process.
Why study Improve Your Cooking Skills at West Notts College?
- Suitable for complete beginners
- Learn practical cooking skills you'll use every day
- Prepare affordable, healthy meals from scratch
- Explore recipes from around the world
- Learn in professional kitchens
- Small, supportive adult-only classes
- FREE for eligible new learners
- Adult learning support and guidance
Starting something new can feel like a big step, but you don’t have to do it alone. From careers guidance to mental health and wellbeing, we’re here to support you before you apply and throughout your time with us.
- Entry requirements
This course is only available to adults aged 19+.
- No previous experience or skills are required.
- Assessment
This is a non-accredited course therefore no formal assessment will take place.
- Careers
For advice and guidance on the careers this course may lead to, contact the our award-winning Careers and Employability team. Our fully qualified and experienced professional advisers specialise in providing high-quality, impartial careers advice and guidance, and can support you in exploring the career pathways this course or similar courses may offer.
- Studying Courses in the Community at West Notts College
Visit our courses in the community subject area page to explore the full range of courses available.
Disclaimer
Whilst every effort is made to ensure the information on the website is correct, some details may be subject to change. West Nottinghamshire College reserves the right to make amendments to the courses, dates, fees or other details, and to make cancellations or changes if numbers are insufficient. In the unfortunate situation that we have to cancel a course we will refund your fees in full, but we regret we are not able to offer any refund if you withdraw from your course or fail to start, and you will be liable to pay any outstanding fees that may be due.
*Subject to eligibility. Contact us for more information. Email