The list below details where adults, aged 19 or above, may be eligible for fully funded courses or reduced fees. You must meet the Education Skills Funding Agency (ESFA) criteria to be eligible. Please ask at the point of enrolment as all the information below is subject to change, funding allocations, College discretion and availability.

Fully funded and fee remissions could be available for adults aged 19 and over who are:

• English and maths learners up to Level 2
• Digital skills learners up to Level 1
• getting Job Seekers Allowance (JSA)
• getting Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
• getting Universal Credit, earning under £617 take-home each month as an individual or £988 take-home each month as a joint claim with a partner
• getting a state benefit, earning from employment (disregarding benefits) less than £617 take-home each month as an individual or £988 take-home each month as a joint claim with a partner, looking for employment, available for work and booking a course that is directly relevant to their employment prospects and the local labour market’s needs
• in receipt of a low wage (employed or self-employed) earning less than £22,308 gross annual income
• studying for their first full Level 2 (19 to 23 year olds only, for approved qualifications)
• studying for their first full Level 3 (all adults age 19 and over, for approved qualifications)
• GCSE English and maths learners who do not already have an A-C or 9-4 grade at GCSE Level

You will be required to provide evidence (dated within 6 months) or complete a self-declaration. Random checks are made on eligibility and on those paying a concessionary fee and fraudulent claimants will be required to: pay the full fee or be withdrawn from the course and reported to the appropriate authorities.

Please note: all learners who receive full fee remission or a reduced rate must provide their National Insurance (NI) number as this is required for validation purposes and by the ESFA as part of their funding rules/regulations. For low wage, evidence of annual gross wage must be seen at each enrolment.

Discretionary Learner Support Fund (DLSF) and Loans Bursary Fund

The DLSF and Loans Bursary Funds are available to support learners who are undergoing financial hardship, which may prevent them from accessing and participating in learning. You can apply for help with course/exam fees, travel, equipment or childcare costs. More information available in the policy (see useful links).