Shaw Academy

Compared with the evening class at my local college, this was a bit thinner on hands on practice. I booked a bookkeeping course online and the lessons themselves were sound enough. The sign up and payment were straightforward, but getting a certificate issued took longer than the website suggested and I had to chase it.

My firm wanted me to get my Spanish up to a working level, so I went looking for an online course I could do in the evenings. The course content is solid and the progress tracking is handy. My only gripe is that a couple of the audio files were slow to load on my connection, which was a bit annoying during the longer lessons.

Signed up for a course on the app last month and it was honestly pretty easy, took about two minutes. The videos load fine on my phone. Only thing is the reminders came through a bit late so I nearly missed the first live session, but I got there in the end.

Really good for a first course, I'd say. I booked a beginner online photography class because I had no idea where to start and the videos are short enough to fit around work. Signing up was simple and the first week got me going. The only thing I'd flag is that the assignment feedback took about a week to come back, so I'd plan ahead if you're on a deadline.

Honestly, the baking course was better than I expected for the money. I signed up for the sourdough module and the step by step videos made sense even for a beginner like me. The live chat helped when my starter went flat.

I compared a few options before picking this one for a guitar theory course. The site was easier to navigate than the competitors and the lessons had a good mix of video and written notes. The customer support answered my billing question the same day, which I thought was excellent.

Compared with a classroom based course I took years ago, this felt a little less personal. I booked an online woodworking appreciation course and the tutor's explanations were clear. The booking went through without fuss, but it took a few days to get my login details sorted out, and I did have to ring them.

I wanted something new to keep busy after I retired from teaching. Took an online course in watercolour and the instructor is very encouraging. It is a joy to have something to look forward to each week.

Signed up on my phone in about five minutes which was nice, no faffing with forms. Then the first live session got moved twice and i didn't get a reply to my email for three days so I was a bit annoyed. Once it got going the tutor was alright though and the app works fine on the bus.

I needed a refresher on spreadsheets for a new job and didn't want to pay for a college place. Bought a short online course and it covered exactly what I needed. The price was fair for what you get and I could work through it on my own time. Good value for me.

I signed up for the Level 3 counselling course last spring and I have to say the materials are clear and well laid out. The tutor replied to my questions within a day, which I did appreciate. I would happily recommend them to a friend who is thinking of a career change.

We needed a basic first aid refresher for work and the price was the main reason I picked it. The online modules were clear and I finished the certificate in a few evenings. It was good value for what we paid and the certificate arrived promptly.

Booked the online life drawing course after seeing it recommended on a forum. I already draw as a hobby so I knew what I was after. Signing up took two minutes and the first session was exactly what I hoped for.

Booked a one day sewing workshop as a birthday present for my sister. The booking page was clear and the confirmation came through straight away. The teacher was patient with us both and we went home with a finished tote bag, so it was a good day out.

I needed a course that my grandson could follow on his own while he was off school. We chose a maths catch up course and the lessons are well paced. He has got more confident with his fractions and I have been very pleased with the progress report.

I have taught myself a fair bit of coding over the years, so I was sceptical. Compared with other online platforms I've tried, this one has better project feedback and the curriculum is more up to date. The lessons assume you can already follow a terminal, which suits me fine.

Pretty much like the other online course sites I looked at, to be fair. I signed up for a short intro to photography and the videos were fine. The price was a little higher than elsewhere, which I noticed when I checked.

Took the course after looking at three or four others. This one is the best of the ones I tried, mainly because the lessons are short and you actually get feedback on your work. The price is in line with the rest and the sign up was painless.

What got me was the timer on the quizzes, it's really short. Signed up for a coding basics course and it's fine otherwise. Took a day to get my access sorted though.