Students aged between 16 and 18 usually do not have to pay tuition fees, but those over 19 might have to pay for their tuition.

• Students can study free up to A level (level 3) or before university

• You can resit GCSEs in Maths and English up until 18 years old free of charge

From aged 19 onwards (normally two years after leaving secondary) you will have to pay for education such as A levels and university, if followed on from college education

• There are some providers that do give free smaller courses at lower levels, such as courses to help you into employment etc, or sector specific courses. Further education students in England do not have to pay tuition fees if they are under 24 and studying for their first level 3 (A Level or equivalent) qualification

• Advanced Learner Loans are available to cover course fees for students aged 19 or older taking eligible qualifications at level 3 or higher that are not designated for higher education student finance

• Many essential skills and Skills Toolkit courses in reading, writing, maths, and digital subjects are free. Courses are also funded under various government initiatives. Skills Boot camps and the free courses for jobs offer. There are various bursaries and loans available to help students with day-to-day living costs

• The 16-19 Bursary Fund is available for items and costs relating to a further education course, such as books, specialist clothing, transport, and food. There are two types of bursaries for 16- to 19-year-olds Bursaries for defined vulnerable groups (including care-experienced students or those claiming certain benefits).

• Discretionary bursaries which providers award using policies they set, in line with Department for Education funding rules.

• Learner Support is available to students aged 19 or over who are in financial hardship. It can help to cover travel costs, accommodation, materials and equipment, and childcare.

• For students using an Advanced Learner Loan to fund their course fees, the Advanced Learner Loan bursary fund can help to pay for things related to study such as travel, childcare, and course accommodation.

• There is also specialist funding available for college accommodation, help with childcare costs, transport costs and for specific courses.

If you have an EHC plan, you might still be eligible for funding until the age of 25, though it’s important to note that there isn't an automatic guarantee of education provision.

• The support provided will be based on the outcomes and needs specified in your EHC plan, as well as the decisions made by your Local Authority. They will assess whether the college is a good fit for your needs and consider if funding is an efficient use of resources.

• Should you choose to continue your education with another course, please be aware that funding eligibility may hinge on your progression or achievement in the next level. There are instances where a course at the same level can be funded if it builds upon your previous learning and is essential for fulfilling the outcomes in your plan.

• Individuals aged 19 to 23 may qualify for full funding while studying: Entry Level or Level 1 courses if they do not already possess a higher qualification / Their first full Level 2 qualification / Their first full Level 3 qualification.

• If your local college or training provider cannot offer a fully funded Level 3 course, we suggest reaching out to the National Careers Service for information regarding alternative providers.

• Those aged 24 or older who are unemployed ( receiving Jobseekers Allowance (JSA), Employment and Support Allowance (work-related activity group), or Universal Credit and earning below 16 times the National Minimum Wage per week) might also be eligible for full funding while studying: English for Speakers of Other Languages / Courses to facilitate progression to Level 2 / Their first full Level 2 qualification.

• For those aged 19 and above, full funding is available for taking GCSE English or Maths if they have not already achieved a Grade A*-C (9 - 4) in these subjects (with different rules applying for apprenticeships).

• Additional funding is also accessible for Functional Skills and stepping-stone qualifications aimed at helping you reach that level.

• Full funding is available for essential digital skills qualifications up to and including Level 1 if your digital skills have been assessed below that level.