The purpose of this research is to explore how early school leaving impacts on individuals in a learning environment within the Adult and Community Education setting. The central consideration of this research is the experience of early school leaving and the impact this has on individuals who become adult learners and what they encounter in a contemporary Dublin classroom environment. The aim of the proposal is to look at what supports there are for individuals that are early school leavers, what supports are currently available, and what access is available for individuals who are hoping to get into the Adult and Community Education setting? The key themes are: What impact has early school leaving on individuals and the implications of early school leaving on individuals within Adult and Community Education? How do individuals who are early school leavers, understand, negotiate and perform within a learning environment within the Adult and Community Education learning environment?