Make your education dreams affordable

We believe financial constraints shouldn't limit your potential. Discover the comprehensive funding options available to make your adult learning journey accessible and affordable.

Fully Funded Options Available

Expert Financial Guidance

Free Funding Assessment

Your path to affordable education

At Atomix Educational Trust, we're committed to making adult education accessible to everyone. Our experienced advisors will help you navigate funding options, from Free Courses for Jobs to Advanced Learner Loans, ensuring financial barriers never prevent you from achieving your ambitions. You may also qualify for the Learner Support Bursary, which can help cover the cost of transport, childcare, equipment and much more. Our dedicated funding advisors will help you find the best financial solution for your circumstances, ensuring that cost never becomes a barrier to achieving your goals.

Comprehensive funding solutions

Choose from multiple funding pathways designed to support adult learners at every stage of their educational journey

Government grants for Functional Skills and GCSEs

Fully funded essential skills development

Qualifications are usually fully funded via Tees Valley Combined Authorities Adult Skills Budget. Funding eligibility will be dependent on your age, residential status, previous qualifications and right to remain. These grants cover the cost of Functional Skills and GCSE English and Maths courses, providing the foundation you need for career advancement or further study.

Eligibility requirements

You must be age 19+

Have right to live, work and remain in the UK

Must not have previous learning of GCSE grade 4 or above (or level 2 equivalent) in the relevant subject

Must not already be enrolled with another provider for this qualification

UK resident for at least three years

Key benefits

Fully funded for eligible learners

No repayment required

Covers course fees and assessment costs

Quick approval process

Level 2 and Level 3 entitlement

Fully funded programmes for young adults

Fully funded programmes in the UK aimed at adults aged 19-23 that do not already hold a full level 2 or level 3 qualification.

Eligibility requirements

Must be aged 19-23 at the start of the course

Do not already hold a full level 2 or level 3 qualification

UK resident for at least three years

Have right to live, work and remain in the UK

Enrolling on an eligible Level 2 or Level 3 course

Key benefits

100% funded - no fees to pay

Clear progression to higher education

Nationally recognised qualifications

Direct pathways to employment

Advanced Learner Loans

Income-contingent loans for Level 3+ courses

The Advanced Learner Loan is available for learners aged 24 and over, or aged 19-23 if you already hold a full level 3 qualification, who wish to study eligible Level 3 to Level 6 courses. The loan is provided by the UK government and helps cover tuition fees with flexible repayment terms based on your income. This loan is wiped once you've completed a full undergraduate degree.

Eligibility requirements

Aged 24+, or aged 19-23 if you already hold a full level 3 qualification

Enrolling on an eligible Level 3 to Level 6 course

UK resident for at least three years

Have right to live, work and remain in the UK

Course must be offered by an approved provider

Depending on the qualifications you already hold, an Advanced Learner Loan may be needed for your course. We will go through this with you at enrolment, so you know exactly where you stand before you start.

Key benefits

This loan is wiped once you've completed a three-year undergraduate degree

You only repay when your income is above the repayment threshold

No upfront costs

The loan is written off after 30 years if not fully repaid

Interest rates tied to inflation

Free Courses for Jobs (FCFJ)

Skills training for unemployed adults

Designed specifically for unemployed adults seeking to develop skills for employment in high-demand sectors.

Eligibility requirements

You must be age 19+

Enrolling on a level 3 qualification

Live in the Tees Valley area and earn below £33,210 a year

Live outside the Tees Valley area? Talk to us and we will check what you are eligible for

Or currently unemployed

UK resident with right to remain

Key benefits

100% funded courses

Direct links to local employment opportunities

Fast-track to employment

Employer partnership programmes

Tees Valley Combined Authority Skills funding

Local investment in your career development

The Tees Valley Combined Authority offers funding to help local residents access education and training that leads to employment in priority sectors. This funding supports our region's economic growth while providing you with valuable skills for in-demand careers.

Eligibility requirements

Must be a resident of the Tees Valley region

Courses must align with local skills priorities

Training must lead to employment in priority sectors

Must be aged 19 or over

UK resident with right to live and work in the UK

Commitment to seeking employment in the Tees Valley region

Key benefits

Supports training for local priority industries

Focus on employability and career progression

Strong links to local employers

Investment in regional economic development

Childcare support for learners aged 20 and over

Help with childcare costs while you study

Childcare costs stop a lot of people studying. Tees Valley Combined Authority provides support with registered childcare costs for learners aged 20 and over, so that having children does not have to mean putting your own learning on hold.

Eligibility requirements

Aged 20 or over at the start of your course

Enrolled on an eligible course with us

Using a registered childcare provider

Award amounts and the evidence you need to provide are confirmed at application. Speak to us before you enrol and we will tell you exactly what to bring.

Learner support for adults aged 19 and over

Help with the costs that get in the way

Tees Valley Combined Authority learner support helps adults aged 19 and over with the practical costs of studying, so that transport, equipment or materials do not become the reason someone drops out.

What it can help with

Transport to and from your place of study

Books, equipment and course materials

Other costs directly linked to taking part in your course

Learner support is assessed individually and awards depend on your circumstances. Apply through us, and if you need to be on site we can also arrange access to the college bus.

Employer sponsorship

Employer investment in your professional development

Some learners may be eligible for employer sponsorship, where an employer covers the cost of training to help employees develop relevant skills for their job role. This creates a win-win situation, enhancing your capabilities while adding value to your workplace.

Eligibility requirements

Currently employed with a supporting employer

Training must be directly relevant to your current or future job role

Formal employer agreement to fund the course

Course must benefit both employee and employer

Commitment to complete the qualification

Employer willing to provide study leave or flexible arrangements

Key benefits

Financial support from your employer

Opportunity to gain qualifications relevant to your job

Enhanced career progression prospects

Dedicated advisors help find the best funding solution

Your funding journey made simple

Our expert funding advisors guide you through every step of the process, ensuring you secure the best financial support for your circumstances

Initial consultation

Contact our funding team for a free, no-obligation assessment. We'll discuss your circumstances, career goals, and course interests to identify the most suitable funding options.

Eligibility check

Our advisors will check your eligibility for various funding streams, ensuring you're aware of all available options and helping you choose the most beneficial pathway.

Application Support

We provide comprehensive support throughout the application process, helping you complete forms correctly and gather necessary documentation to maximise your chances of success.

Start Learning

Once your funding is approved, you can focus entirely on your studies. Our student support team remains available throughout your learning journey for any financial queries.

Beyond financial Support

We understand that returning to education involves more than just course fees. Discover additional support services designed to remove barriers and enhance your learning experience.

Childcare guidance

Information and assistance with childcare options and funding to help parents and carers access education opportunities without worrying about childcare arrangements.

Travel Support

Advice on travel options, public transport discounts, and information about our accessible campus locations with excellent transport links.

Equipment Loans

Access to laptops and learning equipment loans for students who need technology support to engage with their studies effectively.

Career guidance

Professional career advice to ensure your course choice aligns with your employment goals and maximises your return on investment.

Ongoing Support

Continuous support throughout your studies with dedicated advisors available to help with any financial or practical concerns that arise.

Don't let finances hold you back

Your education investment is an investment in your future. Our funding experts are here to help you find the perfect financial solution, ensuring that cost never becomes a barrier to achieving your career goals.

Call our funding team

Speak directly with our funding advisors for personalised guidance

01287 280800

Email for information

Send us your questions and we'll respond within 24 hours

adultlearning@atomix.ac.uk

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