Free Courses for Adults
Get the skills and qualifications you need to give your life and career a boost.
You could be entitled to free* tuition fees at The College with the Level 2 and Level 3 Entitlement (* subject to the qualifications you already have.)
You may also be eligible for help from the Discretionary Learner Support Fund to cover some costs. This is means tested, for more information see the webpage for Student Finance.
We have a specialist adult guidance team who will happy to talk you through what courses would be appropriate, returning to study, and give you information about learning grants.
To book a confidential appointment or for further information call The College helpline on 01202 205205
NB. You will be asked to sign a self-declaration form confirming you are eligible for a grant.
What is the Level 2 Entitlement?
Do you need new or updated skills and qualifications to help you at work?
The Level 2 Entitlement offers FREE* learning for adults studying for their first full Level 2 qualification (such as NVQ 2, City & Guilds Level 2, or a Foundation Diploma). These qualifications are sought after and recognised by employers and can help you progress onto other college courses.
*If you are eligible for this scheme your course tuition will be FREE. However, you will be required to pay a college registration fee (£50), plus any other associated costs for your course (such as materials, specialist kit, trips and visits etc.).
Who Can Qualify for FREE Level 2 Courses?
You may be eligible for FREE training under the Level 2 Entitlement if you match all the following criteria:
- You are aged 19 to 23 years old (and must be under 23 years of age at the start of your course)
- You commit to a full Level 2 qualification
- This is your first full Level 2 qualification (or equivalent)††
††This means you don’t already have any of the following qualifications:- 5 GCSEs grade 9-4 (formerly A* – C)
- 5 O levels
- 2 AS Levels/ 1 A level
- 5 CSEs grade 1
- NVQ Level 2
- EDEXCEL or BTEC First Diploma
- OCR/RSA Diploma
- GNVQ Intermediate
- City & Guilds Part 2 qualification
- You are a UK national - that is, if you were born here, have UK citizenship or a UK passport.
Or if you’ve been granted indefinite leave to remain or refugee status.
Or if you’re from a European Union or European Economic Area country
What is the Level 3 Entitlement?
The Level 3 Entitlement is aimed at adults who have already studied to Level 2 – but have never progressed to Level 3. If you are not qualified to Level 3 you may be eligible for FREE* training under this scheme.
The Level 3 Entitlement offers FREE* learning for adults aged between 19 - 24 years studying for their first full Level 3 qualification (such as NVQ 3, BTEC National Certificates/Diplomas).
* If you are eligible for this scheme your course tuition will be FREE. However, you will be required to pay a college registration fee (£50), plus any other associated costs for your course (such as materials, specialist kit, trips and visits etc.).
Who can Qualify for FREE Level 3 Courses?
You may be eligible for FREE training under the Level 3 Entitlement if you match all the following criteria:
- You are an adult aged between 19 and 24 (and must be under 24 years of age at the start of your course)
- You commit to a full Level 3 qualification (marked with L3 in this course guide)
- This is your first full Level 3 qualification (or equivalent)††
††This means if you don’t already have any of the following qualifications (to the level indicated) you can apply for a free Level 3 course:- NVQs at Level 3
- 2 or more A Levels, including professional and technical A-levels
- one or more A Level double awards
- Access to HE certificate (regulated by QAA)
- OCR National Diplomas and Extended National Diplomas
- Edexcel National Certificates and National Diplomas
- BTEC National Certificates and National Diplomas
- Ordinary National Certificates or Diplomas (ONC/OND)
- International Baccalaureate
- or higher level qualifications such as HNC/HND or degrees
- You are a UK national - that is, if you were born here, have UK citizenship or a UK passport.
Or if you've been granted indefinite leave to remain or refugee status.
Or if you’re from a European Union or European Economic Area country.
NB: Grants and subsidies may be subject to change at any time as directed by the government or funding bodies. It should not be assumed that grants or subsidies will be available. To check current status or eligibility please contact The College helpline on 01202 205205
If you are looking to re-train or change your career and need to study from a foundation level up to a Level 2 qualification in your chosen subject you may be able to use the progression funding as a way to help with the costs of the courses.
You may be eligible for FREE* training under the Progression Entitlement if you match all the following criteria:
- You are aged 19 to 23 years old (and must be under 23 years of age at the start of your course)
- You aim to study up to a full Level 2 qualification
- You have taken initial advice and guidance and deemed capable of successfully completing a full Level 2 qualification
- The course must be designed to progress you into employment
- This is your first full Level 2 qualification (or equivalent)††
††This means you don’t already have any of the following qualifications:- 5 GCSEs grade 9-4 (formerly A* – C)
- 5 O Levels
- 2 AS Levels/ 1 A Level
- 5 CSEs grade 1
- NVQ Level 2
- EDEXCEL or BTEC First Diploma
- OCR/RSA Diploma
- GNVQ Intermediate
- City & Guilds Part 2 qualification
- You are a UK national - that is, if you were born here, have UK citizenship or a UK passport.
Or if you’ve been granted indefinite leave to remain or refugee status.
Or if you’re from a European Union or European Economic Area country.
* If you are eligible for this scheme your course tuition will be FREE. However, you will be required to pay a college registration fee (£50), plus any other associated costs for your course (such as materials, specialist kit, trips and visits etc.)
If you are in the unfortunate position of currently being unemployed and on an active state benefit, there may be funding available to help with the cost of retraining in order to help you back into employment.
Contact the College on 01202 205205 for further help and guidance.
