Will I pay fees?
We’re committed to making adult education accessible and affordable. Depending on your circumstances, residency status, and course choice, you may be eligible for partial or full funding.
As Lancashire moves to a devolved system under the Lancashire Combined Council Authority (LCCA), funding arrangements for 2026/27 are not yet confirmed and therefore are subject to change. Until confirmation is received, the information provided below should be regarded as indicative only. Funding is usually only available to eligible individuals who live in residence within a Lancashire postcode. Please call 01772 225522 to confirm your eligibility.
Our commitment, however, remains the same – to help you maximise your entitlements, with our advisors guiding you through your options once final funding guidance has been published.
EMPLOYED
You may be able to get your course fully funded if you’re working (employed or self-employed), studying up to Level 2, and earning under £25,750 a year. This is based on your own (gross) salary. For certain Level 3 courses, you could also receive full funding if you earn less than £29,431 a year. If you’re aged 19 to 23 and don’t yet have a full Level 3 qualification, you might still get funding for certain courses, even if you earn above this amount. If funding isn’t available, you may be able to apply for an Advanced Learner Loan instead.
NOT CURRENTLY EMPLOYED
If you are currently unemployed and receiving an eligible state benefit, you may be able to receive full funding for tuition fees on courses up to Level 3. Eligible benefits include Universal Credit, Jobseekers Allowance, Employment Support Allowance, with other benefits considered depending on your individual
circumstances. Full funding may also be available if you are under formal redundancy consultation. If you are not claiming benefits but are actively seeking work, related to your course, you may still be eligible for funding.
LEGAL ENTITLEMENTS
Individuals aged 19+ may be fully funded for English and maths courses from Entry Level up to Level 2, if you have not already achieved a GCSE (or equivalent) at grade 4 or functional skills at Level 2. Individuals aged 19+ may be fully funded for digital skills courses from Entry Level up to Level 1, subject to your assessment being below Level 1. Individuals aged 19-23 who have not previously achieved a full Level 2 or full Level 3 may be fully funded, regardless of the earnings threshold or employment status, if the course has an eligible legal entitlement status.
LIFELONG LEARNING ENTITLEMENT (LLE)
If you are looking to study certain Level 4 to Level 6 courses or modules that commence from January 2027, you may be eligible to apply for Lifelong Learning Entitlement (LLE) funding. Under the LLE, eligible students will be able to access a funding entitlement of up to £39,160, based on the maximum tuition fee for the 2026–2027 academic year. You will be able to view and manage your loan balance through your personal Student Finance account, with the Student Loans Company
ADVANCED LEARNER LOANS
Where funding is not available for some Level 3 courses, and where you are eligible, you could apply for an Advanced Learner Loan to cover your tuition fees. Loan eligibility does not depend on your income, nor are there any credit checks, and you will not have to pay anything back until you are earning over £25,000. For loans taken for the academic year 2026/27.
Please refer to Student Finance England for repayment guidance
FINANCIAL SUPPORT PACKAGES
Depending on your individual circumstances you may be eligible to receive financial support in the form of a bursary, towards your travel expenses and childcare. Our Advisors will work with you to determine all available financial support.
PAYING FOR YOUR COURSE
If your chosen course costs £120 or more, you can choose to pay in instalments by direct debits. To pay by instalments, your payments must be a minimum of £20 per month, and a minimum of three direct debits. Your first payment will be made when you enrol, with further payments taken on the first day of the month. If you wish, you can also choose to pay by cash*
*Cash is limited to a maximum of £250.
EMPLOYER SPONSORSHIP
If your employer is sponsoring your course, please provide their details and we will arrange to invoice them directly. This payment option will be discussed and confirmed with you before enrolment to ensure everything is in place prior to starting your course.