A broad range of adult learners shown in a variety of work and learning environments

Free Courses and Support – What You Need to Know

We can help you with paying for courses and offer support to help you learn.

Courses

Free Courses Available

  • English and Maths: Free if you haven’t already got a GCSE grade 4 (or are assessed at below this level.)
  • Digital Skills: Free up to Level 1 if your current digital skills levels are below that level.
  • Free Courses for Jobs: Free if you haven’t already got a Level 3 qualification
  • Other courses (like English for Speakers of Other Languages): Free if you meet one of the following:

Course Fees:

Course fees vary depending on the provider, but you might be able to take some courses for free if:

  • You’re 19 or older on 31 August before the academic year starts.
  • You normally live in the UK and are legally allowed to stay here.

You’re Unemployed and Receive:

  • Job Seekers Allowance (JSA)
  • Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
  • Universal Credit (UC), and your take-home pay (excluding benefits) is:
  • Less than £952 a month (if you’re the only adult on the claim)
  • Less than £1437 a month (you share the claim with a partner)

Or You:

  • Earn less than £25,750/year
  • Get other state benefits and your take-home pay is below the amounts above
  • Don’t get benefits but want to work, and the course will help you find a job

Extra Help You Might Get

Free Laptop Lending Scheme

If you don’t have a laptop or internet access to help with your course, you may be able to borrow one for free. Please speak to your learning provider about this if you would like this support.

You might also get help with:

  • Childcare costs (must be with an Ofsted-registered provider)
  • Travel costs
  • Course equipment
  • Exam fees

Learning Support

If you need extra help to learn, support is available. You can ask for help when you sign up or during your course.
Support might include:

  • Special equipment (e.g. large keyboards, screen readers)
  • Someone to help you in class
  • Extra time in exams
  • Hearing loops, coloured overlays, and other tools

Just let your learning provider know when you register or speak to your tutor if you need help later on.

Safeguarding and PREVENT Duty

Have you noticed a change in someone’s behaviour? Are they acting differently? Maybe it’s something someone has said that’s worrying you? Notice the signs of radicalisation, neglect, abuse and bullying?

  • Don’t ignore your concerns – check with others who may also have noticed something. Speak to someone you trust such as your tutor.
  • Raise a safeguarding concern with your tutor or staff.
  • Phone Customer First (Social Services) if you also have any imminent safeguarding / PREVENT concerns on 0808 800 4005
  • Get in touch with the Adult Learning Service’s Designated Safeguarding Officer (DSO):
    Andy Mawby (Adult Learning Service Manager)
    mobile: 07704 017 575
    email: andrew.mawby@suffolk.gov.uk
  • Call 999 – if the person is in imminent danger of harm to themselves or others.

Remember – safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility.

Personal support

We understand that life can get in the way sometimes and that you may need support outside our learning centres too.

For information on internet safety visit www.getsafeonline.org.

For advice on mental health and support contact Mind – the UK’s mental health charity free on 0300 123 3393 or visit www.mind.org.uk.

If you need support in emotional distress, are struggling to cope, or are at risk of suicide contact Samaritans for free on 116 123 or visit www.samaritans.org.

For free, confidential information and advice with money, legal, consumer and other problems call Citizens Advice 0800 144 8848 or visit www.citizensadvice.org.uk.

For companionship, advice and support through ageing call Age UK’s free help line on 0800 678 1602 or visit www.ageuk.org.uk.

You can also always reach out to your tutors and staff, they are here to help and will do everything to support you or point you in the right direction.