Are you considering one of our courses or qualifications but are concerned about the cost? You may be interested to know that some of our qualifications are available free of charge if you meet the eligibility criteria.
Contact one of our Learner Services Advisors today to find out whether you’re entitled to free Adult Skills qualifications.
Courses that are offered for FREE include:
- Functional Skills English
- Functional Skills Maths
- Essential Digital Skills
- Online Learning
- Beginners IT courses
- ESOL (applications assessed on an individual basis).
Learners aged 19-23 will be entitled to free tuition if they are:
- Applying for their first full Level 2 qualification
- Applying for their first full Level 3 qualification. For further information, visit the qualifications and public funding page on the GOV.UK website.
You may also qualify for free qualifications if you are in receipt of one of the following benefits:
- Job Seekers Allowances (including partners if it is a joint claim)
- Employment Support Allowance in the work-related activity group (ESA)
- Universal Credit (work group, work related requirement, work preparation or work-focussed interview organised by JCP)
- A low wage (£33,210 or less gross annual salary). Three months wage slips or current employment contract stating gross monthly or annual wage must be submitted as evidence.
Where a course fee applies to a funded qualification, the following groups can claim up to 50% remission of full fee. (Fee band-subsidised) those in receipt of:
- Council Tax Benefit – Not including sole occupancy allowance
- Housing Benefit
- Working Tax Credit
- Pension Guarantee Credit
- Universal credit
- Contribution based Employment and Support Allowance
- The unwaged dependants (as defined by the Department for Work and Pensions) of those listed above.
COURSE FEES
If you are required to pay a fee for your course or qualification, this must be done on application using one of the following methods:
- By secure online payment
- By cash
- By cheque (made payable to Stockton Borough Council)
- By credit/debit card (All major credit cards accepted)