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 could also get up to £30 per week with the Adult Learning Grant – ask for details.
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.
Level 2 Entitlement – Helping YOU get Qualified
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 (£40), an examination fee, plus any other associated costs for your course (such as materials, specialist kit, trips and visits etc.) You may be eligible for an Adult Learning Grant to help with these costs.
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 or over
- 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 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.
Level 3 Entitlement – Helping YOU Boost Your Skills
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 - 25 years studying for their first full level 3 qualification (such as NVQ 3, A Levels, 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 (£40), an examination fee, plus any other associated costs for your course (such as materials, specialist kit, trips and visits etc.) You may be eligible for an Adult Learning Grant to help with these costs.
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 25 (and must be under 25 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 vocational 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.
