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How much courses cost

Details on what it costs to book, what concessions are available, whether you can get concessions on any course, paying instalments, what is a full level 2/3 qualification and how to find and book on a course.

Information taken from Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA) funding and compliance rules 17-18 and information is subject to change. 

View details of adult learning courses and how to book a place:

Visit the course finder

How much does it cost to book on a course?

Course costs vary, depending on the duration and type of course, and your personal circumstances (for example, if you’re on certain benefits or you’re taking a particular qualification). 

There are two types of courses available to you – accredited and non-accredited.

  • Accredited courses are typically those that lead to a qualification.  You will be expected to sit any assessments or exams that are part of the course. A discretionary learner support fund may be available to help you pay for the exam fee if you meet the criteria. More information is available on the Financial help and additional support page.  
  • A non-accredited course does not generally lead to a formal qualification but will give you an introduction to a subject, or can enhance your existing knowledge.  

What concessions are available to me?

Please note: if you are aged 24 or more, and enrolling on a Level 3 or Level 4 course, you are not entitled to a concession.

Learners with specific personal circumstances may be entitled to a concession on their course fees, giving them the course for free. You may be eligible if you meet any of the criteria below:

Are unemployed and:

  • receive Jobseeker's Allowance (JSA), including National Insurance credits
  • receive Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) and are in the Work Related Activity Group (WRAG)
  • receive Universal Credit, earn either less than 16 times the national minimum wage/national living wage a week or £300 a month (this is subject to change) 

Are in employment and:

  • aged 19-23 and studying for first full level 2 or 3 qualifications
  • receive Working Tax Credit but your household income is less than £15,810.

If the above criteria does not apply to you, there is also a discretionary learner support fund which may be available to help give financial support to you if your household income is less than £21,850 per year. These funds can be used to help with transport to classes, course materials, childcare costs, exam fees, books and equipment.

If you think you may be entitled  to some financial help, please ask at time of booking.

Can I get a fee concession on any course?

Some of our courses are not eligible for concessions. Look out for 'concessions are available for this course' at the time of booking on our course finder, or ask in the centre. 

Can I pay in instalments?

Any course with course fees over £50 can be paid in instalments. Please note that this is not available if you want to book online. If you need to pay in instalments due to your financial circumstances, please speak to a member of staff in the adult learning centre running your course to discuss what arrangements can be made.

What is classed as a Full Level 2 or Full Level 3 qualification?

The government is committed to supporting people to achieve Level 2 and 3 qualifications. 

Learners aged 19-23 and studying their first full Level 2 qualification (equivalent to five GCSEs A-C) or full Level 3 qualification (equivalent to an A level) may be entitled to funding which means you could take the course for free. We may also be able to help you with childcare and transport costs, depending upon your circumstances. 

You may also be eligible for an Advanced learner loan (managed by Student Finance England) These can be used to pay for level 3 or level 4 qualifications. More information is available on the Financial help and additional support page.  

How do I find and book on a course?

Please use our course finder where you can search for courses by title, subject or location. 

You can also contact your nearest adult learning centre where our friendly staff will be happy to give you more information about courses that interest you.