The open shelf

A big part of why we exist is to put writing skills in the hands of people who want and need them.

So if you're:

starting out in the working world (aged 16 to 23), or
out of work and looking for a job,

you can have free access to all 12 of our courses.

For now, The Open Shelf is open to people based in the UK — we’re starting close to home while we test the idea and make sure we can support everyone properly.

A small white bottle that looks like a bottle of Tipp-ex, the label says 'Revision'

A white plastic spray bottle that looks like a bottle of household cleaning spray. The label says 'Correctness'.

A glass jar that looks like a jar of pickles. The label says 'Humour' and has an illustration of an aubergine on

A green, red and cream metal container that looks like motor oil. The label says 'Coherence'.

A purple square box that looks like a box of Milk Tray chocolates. The label says 'Persuasion'.

A red cereal box, with a leprechaun on the front. The label says 'Intrigue'

A pale green tissue box with a tissue coming out of the top. The label says 'Empathy'.

An orange plastic bottle that looks like a bottle of Tide detergent. The label says 'Clarity'.

A glass jar that looks like instant coffee, the red label says 'Connection'

A glass bottle that looks like Worcestershire sauce. The orange label says 'Concision'.

A small glass bottle that looks like Tabasco sauce. The label says 'Brevity'.

A blue and white stripped tin that looks like Brasso. The label says 'Impact'.

How it works...

1

Fill in the form below.

2

We'll get in touch and give you a one-time code, just for you.

3

You're in. You'll have access to all of the courses, and can log-in and out, anytime.

If you want to start with a taster course, we've made our Purpose course free to everyone.

Frequently answered questions

A female Playmobil-style figure wearing a green apron, she's turning over an 'open' sign in a shop window

I'm not in the 16-23 age bracket, can I still apply?

If you're unemployed and looking for work, you can.

I'm looking for work, but I'm currently in a job, can I apply?

If you're aged 16-23, you can.

I want apply on behalf of someone else, is that okay?

Absolutely, just put some detail in the 'I'm interested in these courses...'

box in the form above. We’ll then get in touch to:
a) make sure they’re interested and would benefit, and
b) check in later to see how they’re getting on.

How long do I get access for?
12 months. But you can reapply again after that if you fit the criteria.

Do I need to prove I’m eligible?

Nope, there's no paperwork involved. We do ask for your address, just to confirm you’re in the UK. Apart from that, we just ask that you apply honestly — The Open Shelf works on trust.

Is there a limit to how many people can apply?
We want to help as many people as we can, so we’ll keep the shelf open as long as possible. If we ever need to pause applications, we’ll say so here.

Can I choose specific courses, or do I get them all?
You’ll get access to all 12 — but you can start anywhere. Pick the ones that fit what you need most right now.

Can I still get coaching or workshop support through The Open Shelf?
The Open Shelf covers our self-paced courses. If you’re interested in coaching or workshops, tell us in your application — we sometimes run free or discounted sessions too.

Do I have to live in the UK?
For now, yes — we’re starting The Open Shelf in the UK while we test and improve it. We’d love to open it up to more countries later on.

Partner with us

We’d like to make The Open Shelf available to more people through partnerships with charities and employment initiatives.

If your organisation supports people who could benefit from stronger writing skills, get in touch — we’d love to help.

Let's talk