The Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA) subsidises the adult education provision offered at our college.

With that funding are rules that we must abide by when enrolling learners. This helps us keep fees as low as possible.

Our courses are available to those who meet the following eligibility criteria;

• Have lived in the UK for at least the last 3 years (EU if you have settled status, pre-settled status or if you meet any of the exemption rules to the ESFA residency criteria)
• Have the right to abode in the UK
• Are aged 19 or over (on the 31st August 2024) to be able to enrol on a course starting on 31st July 2025
• Live in a non-devolved funded area (other learners will pay additional costs)

Proof Of Residency and Address

We are required to see proof of a person’s right to live in the UK and address, for every course they enrol on. This will be done at a skills scan session where possible or at the time of enrolment. Typical examples of accepted documents are:

• UK/Irish passport (current and valid)
• UK driving licence
• Biometric Residence Permit, Asylum Registration Card or HM Forces ID card
• Government Share Code/letter from HMRC
• Bank/credit card statement (within the last 3 months)
• Council Tax statement (for current year)
• Utility bill (within last 3 months)

If you are unsure what to bring, contact us

Course Fees

Many courses are free for learners who meet the residency eligibility criteria, enrolling on qualification courses and for those who are:

• Studying English, maths and digital skills
• In receipt of JSA or ESA
• In receipt of Universal Credit with income under amounts set by the ESAF (please contact the college for income amounts as this changes regularly)
• In receipt of a state benefit, are looking/available for work, are taking the course to gain employment and whose income is below the thresholds (please contact the college for income amounts as this changes regularly)
• On a low wage; earning under an amount set by the ESAF (please contact the college for income amounts as this changes regularly)
• Studying their first full level 2 or Level 3 qualification

We also have a range of free employability, family learning and community learning
courses.

If you do not qualify for one of the above, you may still get help paying course fees through our Discretionary Learner Support Fund (DLSF) – to find out more contact us

Reduced Fees – Community Learning

We offer reduced rates for those receiving some state benefits or who are on a low income. If you are applying online, you will need to select the correct option under concession to reduce your fee.

10% Discount On Qualification Courses

Receive a 10% discount for any qualification course (over 32 hours or 16 weeks) when paying the fee in full at the time of enrolment. Offer applies to course fees only (excludes exam fees)

External Resources

• ESFA Privacy Statement