Qualification Funding
Certain CPCAB qualifications are eligible for government funding. Below is a summary of the government funding options currently applicable to Ofqual regulated qualifications in England within the adult education sector.
These funding sources undergo periodic evaluations by the government. It's important to note that CPCAB itself does not provide funding, and we do not play a role in determining centre funding opportunities. To determine whether a specific qualification qualifies for government funding, please refer to CPCAB guidance documents, such as the course qualification specification and cross reference this with the gov.uk website.
Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland each have their own funding arrangements. You must develop arrangements with the relevant devolved administration if you are planning to deliver a significant quantity of learning to learners who do not live in England.
Adult Education Budget (AEB)
The Adult Education Budget (AEB) is accessible to training providers who have established contracts with the Government through the Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA) for the provision of qualifications to learners aged 19 and above.
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The Government conducts regular tendering events for both National AEB tenders and local AEB tenders. These events provide training providers with the opportunity to submit proposals for the delivery of funded AEB qualifications. Information about these events can be found on the Government's website.
Funding rules for Adult Education Budget (AEB)
You can access the current funding rules for AEB at the link below:
Adult education budget (AEB) funding rules 2023 to 2024
AEB has two main funding streams:
1. Local Flexibility – this is a broad curriculum offer available from Entry Level to Level 2, which is intended to support entry to, or to assist learners to improve their career opportunities within the employment market. The government expects providers to deliver courses and programmes that respond to local skills priorities.
2. Legal Entitlement – this is the statutory entitlement for any learner aged 19-23 to be fully funded to gain a first qualification at level 2 and/or level 3.
There are also additional funding provisions within AEB for digital skills, ESOL and maths and English entitlements.
Level 3 Free Courses for Jobs offer
The Level 3 Free Courses for Jobs offer (previously known as the National Skills Fund) aims to help adults without level 3 qualifications, or those with an existing Level 3 who are unemployed or on a low wage, to gain a Level 3 qualification. These courses are also funded through the AEB funding stream.
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You can see the details of each funded course by clicking on the course link you are interested in. You can then come to our Centre Finder for information on our centres that deliver the qualification.
Advanced Learner Loans (ALL)
Currently, 19+ Advanced Learner Loans are accessible to eligible individuals aged 19 and above who intend to pursue qualifications at Levels 3, 4, 5, and 6 through approved providers in England. These loans are currently managed and administered by Student Finance England.
This includes:
- Certificates from Levels 3-6
- Diplomas from Levels 3-6
- A and AS Levels
- Tech Levels
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Advanced Learner Loans are paid directly to the college or training organisation on behalf of an individual. They are not currently means tested or subject to credit checks and any individual who meets the criteria will be able to apply for a loan regardless of their current employment status.
Advanced Learner Loans facility agreements are only issued following formal selection processes. The Education and Skills Funding Agency uses its weekly update newsletter to advertise new opportunities for providers to express an interest in having a loan facility, as and when such opportunities arise, the newsletter can be accessed here: Update newsletter
Funding rules for Advanced Learner Loans
The rules apply to all providers of education and training who hold a loans facility and loans bursary agreement with the Education and Skills Funding Agency. It is vital that any centre considering becoming an approved loans provider fully understands the current funding rules and their responsibilities in relation to them. The current funding rules are available at the links below:
You will be able to see the details of each of our funded courses by clicking on the course link you are interested in. You can then come to our Centre Finder for information on our centres that deliver the qualification.
Funding Rollover
'Rollover' refers to the procedure through which the Department for Education (DfE) extends the funding commitment from the ongoing funding year into future funding years. It has been announced that the upcoming 'rollover' will occur during the autumn of 2023, as opposed to the previously scheduled date of spring 2024. The duration of rollover support may vary, with some levels extending for two years and others for just one year.
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*Please note the funding roll-over does not apply to the current Level 3 Certificate in Counselling Skills, where funding ceases on 31st December 2023. A new alternative qualification will be available from 1st January 2024 as per our previous communications to centres*
This funding information page will be regularly updated as new guidance emerges.
If you have any further queries on funded CPCAB qualifications, please contact: contact@cpcab.co.uk