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A Service Funded By:

 
Finance your learning
1. Adult Learning Account
2. Adult Learning Grant  

Adult Learning Account
 www.lsc.gov.uk/regions/SouthEast/ala/faq/

Adult Learner Accounts - Putting You First

Adult learner accounts provide a new service to help learners achieve their potential.

You can be part of a new way of learning in the South East and East Midlands if you register for an information pack by calling 0800 092 0229. An Adult Learner Account will help you choose the training that best meets your needs. Independent advice and guidance will show you all the options and help you make the right decision.

• You will be offered free independent advice on training options to suit your needs
• Once you have signed-up for a course, you will be given full details of its cost and the amount you, your employer • and the Government will pay
• As you progress through your course, you will receive regular statements detailing your learning programme at key milestones

Click here to see a list of Colleges and Providers offering Adult Learner Accounts in the South East

To find out more visit the FAQs section of the Learning and Skills Council:

www.lsc.gov.uk/regions/SouthEast/ala/faq/

Adult Learning Grant What is the new Adult Learning Grant?
If you’re going back to college to study for your first full Level 2 or first full Level 3 qualification, the Adult Learning Grant (ALG) could pay you up to £30 per week.

It may help with concerns about money, letting you focus on getting where you want to be in life.

Want to get on?
Whatever you want to do job-wise, having the right qualifications can give you a real head start. If you missed out on getting qualifications at school, why not go back to college?

It’s never too late to learn new skills – and if you’re eligible for ALG, it could be more affordable than you think.

People who go back to college later in life often find that they’re more focused and determined that they were first time around, and tend to have a clearer idea of that they want to study.
Education and learning What is the Adult Learning Grant? If you’re going back to college to study for your first full Level 2 or first full Level 3 qualification, the Adult Learning Grant (ALG) could pay you up to £30 per week.

It may help with concerns about money, letting you focus on getting where you want to be in life.

Whatever you want to do job-wise, having the right qualifications can give you a real head start. If you missed out on getting qualifications at school, why not go back to college?

It’s never too late to learn new skills – and if you’re eligible for ALG, it could be more affordable than you think.

People who go back to college later in life often find that they’re more focused and determined that they were first time around, and tend to have a clearer idea of that they want to study.

Get new skills and qualifications – and get paid up to £30 a week
ALG is there to help out with costs like travel and books while you’re studying for your first full Level 2 qualification or first full Level 3 qualification.

Level 2 qualifications are equivalent to five or more GCSEs at grades A* to C or NVQ level 2. Level 3 qualifications are equivalent to two A levels or NVQ level 3.

Options include courses related to:

• business (including administration and law, and computer skills)
• construction (including plumbing and carpentry)
• sciences (including physics and psychology)
• health and care (including childcare and counselling)
• services (including retail, hairdressing and catering)
• media (including website design)

If you’re an adult studying full-time at college – and you qualify for ALG - you’ll get up to £30 per week during term time.

I am receiving benefits. Can I also apply for the new grant?
People receiving out of work benefits will not be eligible for the new grant. Jobcentre Plus will be able to let you know about your entitlements and where you can seek advice on learning.

How long can I receive the grant for?
Normally the grant will be paid for up to two years, but this can be extended if you are studying for a first full level 2 and then immediately progressing to a first full level 3 and you expect to complete your learning within a maximum of three years.

Who will get the full £30 per week and who will get less?
A financial assessment will be applied to ALG applicants in order to establish their entitlement. The financial assessment will be based on the income of the learner and any co-habiting partner. The two income thresholds for the Grant are as follows:

Learners with a co-habiting partner in paid employment.

Annual income Weekly ALG payment
Up to £20,817 £30 £30
£20,818 - £25,521 £20
£25,522 - £30,810 £10
Over £30,810 NIL

Learners without a co-habiting partner in paid employment (includes learners with a partner but the partner is not in paid employment.)

Income Level each year Weekly ALG payment
Up to £11,810 £30
£11,811 - £15,405 £20
£15,406 - £19,513 £10
Over £19,513 NIL

How is ALG paid?
If your application is successful, payments will be made directly into your bank account.

You’ll get the payments weekly during term time, as long as your attendance is satisfactory.

How long can ALG be paid for?
ALG is normally paid for up to two years, but can be extended if you’re studying for a first full Level 2 qualification, and going straight on to a first full Level 3 qualification - and you expect to complete your learning within three years.

You may be able extend your ALG payments further if you’ve got learning difficulties or a disability – check this with the Student Services team at your college.

When can I have more details?
For ALG advice and applications, call 0800 100 900

Book a free call back to get advice on ALG

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The Managing Agent for nextstep Berkshire is CfBT Advice and Guidance
Disclaimer | Last updated: 22 January 2008