Fees & Funding
Do you need help paying for a qualification?
You may find that you qualify for free study but where a fee is payable, we can help.
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2 min read
Our Apprenticeship, Study Programmes and Community Learning provisions are part funded by the ESF. Who/What is the ESF? The ESF is Europe’s main instrument for supporting jobs, helping people get better jobs and ensuring fairer job opportunities for all EU citizens. It works by investing in Europe’s human capital – its workers, its young people and all those seeking a job. ESF financing of EUR 10 billion a year is improving job prospects for millions of Europeans, in particular those who find it difficult to get work.
Affordability is a key factor when considering further education so it’s good to know that many of our courses are fully funded, meaning there are no fees and usually no student loans to repay (subject to certain eligibility criteria).
Whether you receive funding how much and through what method depends on your personal circumstances but we’re always happy to talk through your options with you.
Fully funded for those ages 16 to 24 and qualified up to Level 3.
Fully funded.
You are paid the National Minimum Apprenticeship wage or more by your employer.
Fully funded if you do not hold an equivalent level qualification.
Functional Skills Maths & English are funded up to and including Level 2.
A number of our Level 3 qualifications are free courses as part of the Free Courses for Jobs offer, funded by the government for eligible adults.
Who is eligible?
Adults aged 19 and above can get a free level 3 qualification if they:
I am not eligible, what now?
You can pay the course fee directly, or you may be able to take out an Advanced Learner Loan.
Important note:
Government funding for academic year 23/24 has changed – how this affects you…
You can only enrol on ONE free* workshop/course at each level, e.g. one Taster, one Starter… and so on. Our new levels are designed to encourage you to learn and progress in your chosen area of interest. If you enrol on multiple workshops/courses at the same level, we’ll contact you to discuss (as there are exceptions), or you’ll be given the opportunity to pay for your place, (costs are detailed on each course page).
Community Learning levels…
Our Community Learning workshops and courses are FREE if you are aged 19+, AND are unemployed / earn less than £25,000 per year AND live in Somerset (not including Bath & North East Somerset) AND you have lived in the UK/EU for the last 3 years OR you have refugee status / right to remain. Please note – proof of eligibility may be requested.
There is a course fee of £5 per learning hour (subject to change) if you are aged 19+ AND you earn over £25,000 AND live in Somerset OR you live in Bath & North East Somerset OR you live anywhere else in the UK.
There are a variety of schemes on offer to help people enter or re-enter adult education. Eligibility rules apply so it’s best to discuss your circumstances with us so we an explain what options are available to you.
To be funded you have to have lived in the EU for the past 3 years and currently living in England outside of:
Some people will not be eligible for funding and will prefer not to take out a learning loan, in these circumstances a course fee will apply. These fees are shown on the course information pages and will be required to be paid in full prior to the course commencement. Financial support is available to help cover travel and equipment for those who are eligible – please ask.
If you’re a young parent up to the age of 20 who wants to continue their education or training, then the Care to Learn scheme provides help with the cost of childcare and related travel expenses. For further information contact the Care To Learn helpline on 0800 121 8989 or visit www.gov.uk/care-to-learn/overview.
The Advanced Learner Loan helps students aged 19+ to pay for higher level courses. It’s easy to apply for, doesn’t require a credit check and repayments don’t start until you earn over £25,000/year. Eligible courses include A Levels, Access to Higher Education Diplomas and Certificates and Diplomas at Level 3 and above. For further information visit our blog Advanced learner loans make it possible…, contact the Customer Advice Team on 0330 332 7997 or contact them here.
We know that parents and carers play an important part in an individual’s education decisions and that’s why we’re always happy to talk to you to answer your questions and ensure you have the information you need to help your young adult make the right choices. You can call us on 0330 332 7997 or contact the Customer Advice Team here.
We don’t want the funding to get in the way of you taking the next step with learning, we understand that discovering what support you are entitled to can be confusing, so we encourage you to contact us. One of our team will happily talk through the options with you. Use our contact form to get in touch or call us on 0330 332 7997.
We don’t want the funding to get in the way of you taking the next step with learning, we understand that discovering what support you are entitled to can be confusing, so we encourage you to contact us.
One of our team will happily talk through the options with you. Use our contact form to get in touch or call us on 0330 332 7997.
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