Telford College to offer new funded ways to study around family and work

Telford College was today named as one of the first colleges in the country to offer adults a new way to fund learning that fits around work and family life.

The college is one of just 16 providers selected across the West Midlands to offer a new approach that will allow adults to access funding for shorter courses rather than only through full university degrees.

Sarah Davies, executive director of partnerships and employer engagement,  said the Lifelong Learning Entitlement reforms announced by the Government today would mean adults could apply for student finance from September 2026.

"These changes will see more people being able to fit study around work and family commitments rather than facing the choice between a full-time traditional degree or nothing.

"Being one of only 130 colleges and universities in the country to offer this is a real recognition of the work we do to make sure our curriculum reflects what adult learners actually need.

"We look forward to sharing more detail on what this means for students at Telford College in the coming weeks," she added.

The announcement follows Telford College’s recent award for engaging adults in learning at the West Midlands Combined Authority Adult Learning Awards, when it was recognised for its Into Employment programmes which helped more than 400 learners into work.

Skills minister Jacqui Smith said: "Financial support should be available whether you want to do a degree, take a short course or retrain later in life. Our changes will make that happen, with the option to access student finance at any stage of life. 

"Whether it's fitting study around a job, retraining for a completely new career, juggling childcare or getting qualifications later in life, the new Lifelong Learning Entitlement will open up new opportunities for thousands more people to build the careers they want and get on in life."

Under the new system, adults will be able to access funding equivalent to four years of post-18 study, currently worth up to £39,160, which can be used flexibly or for full degrees over the course of their working lives. Eligible students will also be able to apply for maintenance support to help with living costs, with funding provided in smaller amounts linked to the size of the course being studied.

Applications open in September 2026 for courses starting from January 2027.