Financial support to help you learn

Basic English and Maths courses are FREE

If you struggle sometimes with Maths and English, you’re not on your own. Each year, local colleges and learning providers help adults to brush up on their English and Maths skills. To see which courses are available in Tameside, please click here.

First full level 2 and level 3 qualifications are FREE

First full level 2 qualiifcations

If you’re over 19 years old and you’re not qualified to level 2, you can study one of the many full level 2 qualifications available through local colleges and learning providers and you won’t have to pay. To be eligible you must not have one of the following qualifications:

• 5 GCSEs at grade A*- C
• An NVQ Level 2
• A BTEC First Diploma
• An equivalent or higher qualification to those listed above

First full level 3 qualifications

If you’re between the age of 19 and 25, and you’re not qualified to level 3, you can study for a full level 3 qualification and your fees will be waived. To be eligible you must not have one of the following qualifications:

• 2 A Levels
• An NVQ Level 3
• A BTEC National Diploma
• An equivalent or higher qualification to those listed above

Help for people on low incomes or means-tested benefits

Courses that are publicly funded are generally free to people on means-tested benefits and can be heavily discounted for people who have low incomes. Please talk to your college or training provider to see what support they can offer you.

Adult Learning Grants are here to help you stay the course

If you're over 19 and choose study a full level 2 or level 3 qualiification on a full-time basis, you could get a means-tested payment of up to £30 per week. How much you get will depend on how much income you and your partner earn. For more information about the Adult Learning Grant click here.