Ceramics

Discover our adult ceramics course at Cirencester College – a hands-on, creative workshop where you’ll learn pottery techniques to design and make your own handmade ceramic pieces.

Slow down and get creative in our welcoming ceramics studio. This practical, hands-on course introduces you to the beauty of working with clay, allowing you to explore a variety of traditional and contemporary ceramic techniques.

Throughout the course, learners will experiment with hand-building methods such as coiling, shaping, and surface decoration, as well as glazing processes. There is also the opportunity to try throwing techniques depending on the course level.

The atmosphere is relaxed, supportive and social – perfect for building confidence, learning new skills and expressing creativity at your own pace. Come on your own or bring a friend – everyone is welcome.

We offer both beginner and improver classes, so you can progress your skills over time.

Please note the two different classes. Tuesday’s class will be an improvers class for students who have done some ceramics before or attended our beginners classes. We will be learning new and more challenging techniques. The Monday class will be for beginners or those who want to start from the beginning.

Please note there will be no lesson the week of half term. Please follow this link for term dates

21st September 2026 : Ceramics for beginners

Start Date : Mon 21st Sep 2026
Time : 18:30 - 20:30
Location : Cirencester College
Duration : 10 weeks
Spaces : 2
Code : 09/26_CER_10W_MJ
£215
£1 per pound of clay.

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22nd September 2026 : Ceramics for improvers

Start Date : Tue 22nd Sep 2026
Time : 18:30 - 20:30
Location : Cirencester College
Duration : 10 weeks
Spaces : 0
Code : 09/26_CER_10W_TJ
£215
£1 per pound of clay.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What Will I Learn?

You will explore a range of ceramics techniques including hand-building, coiling, shaping, surface decoration and glazing, while developing creative skills and an understanding of working with clay

What Will I Make / Take Home?

You will create a selection of unique ceramic pieces such as pots, decorative items or small sculptures, which you will be able to take home once fired and finished.

What Level Is This Course?

We offer both:

  • Beginner classes for those new to ceramics
  • Improver classes for learners with some previous experience looking to develop more advanced techniques

Who Are The Target Audience For This Course?

This course is suitable for adults of all abilities who are interested in creative arts, whether you’re a complete beginner or looking to build on existing pottery skills. It’s ideal for anyone wanting a relaxing, hands-on creative experience.

What Resources Are Included For This Course?

All essential materials and equipment are provided, including clay, tools, glazing materials and access to specialist ceramics equipment in our workshop.
Clay is an additional cost of £1 per pound of clay used. This is to keep it fair if you make larger or smaller pieces

What Do I Need To Bring For This Course?

Please wear clothing you don’t mind getting messy, as clay and glaze can be difficult to remove.
You should also bring a smooth-textured tea towel to use during the session.

Any Questions?

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5.0
5.0 out of 5 stars (based on 8 reviews)
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Fantastic course!

2025-04-28

I attended the 10 week beginners course and it was jam packed with hands-on ideas and training. We learnt a little about the science behind ceramics and a lot about the practical skills needed to actually form usable items. I joined up with zero experience but hoping to form “something that can hold water” – I left with several little pots, a vase I am SO proud of, dishes, pots, a miniature house, and more. I have experimented with pinching, coiling, slab-building, throwing, carving into coloured slip, creating patterns with foliage and other random items, glazing, oxides etc. The course gave me a little haven of time away from my busy life to simply have fun and create without pressure or requirement to be any good at it. I’m not very good at it – but I certainly enjoyed the process and am very very proud of everything I achieved! Bring on the next one!

Louise

Really enjoyable and worthwhile course to provide two focused hours of creativity in your life

2025-04-28

This course can provide a basic introduction to ceramics or allow more experienced students to undertake their own projects. The studio has all the basic equipment ( but only two wheels) so the hand built work is the main focus. The course is friendly and relaxed. However at only 2 hours it’s often a struggle to get things finished, unless you really focus, Overall really enjoyable and worthwhile.

Tarnya

Beginners Ceramics course

2025-04-28

Excellent course, covered a lot of basic techniques which is exactly what I wanted as I’d never done ceramics before. Did pinch pots, coiling, slab work and the wheel. Lots of different choices for glazing.

Made loads of pieces which are a mixed bag but that’s due to my lack of experience. Teacher was great and it was really fun and a relaxing course. Would highly recommend

Nicky