ADULTS who thought higher education was out of reach could soon benefit from a major overhaul of England’s student finance system.
And Tameside College will be among the first institutions selected to offer flexible new courses.
Under reforms due to launch from September 2026, people will be able to access student finance for shorter courses and individual modules for the first time, allowing them to build qualifications over time rather than committing to a traditional full-time degree.
The changes form part of the government’s new Lifelong Learning Entitlement (LLE), designed to make higher education more accessible to people balancing work, family responsibilities and other commitments.
Tameside College is one of 130 colleges and universities across the country approved to deliver the new modular courses, with applications set to open in September ahead of teaching beginning in January 2027.
The reforms aim to tackle a long-standing barrier facing many adults who want to retrain, gain new qualifications or change careers, but cannot commit to studying full-time for several years.
Courses will focus on sectors facing skills shortages, including engineering, computing, health and social care, architecture and economics.
People will be able to access funding equivalent to four years of post-18 education, currently worth up to £39,160, and use it flexibly throughout their working lives. Maintenance support for living costs will also be available for eligible learners.
The new system could particularly benefit adults returning to education later in life, as well as those looking to improve their qualifications while remaining in work.
Angela Rayner, MP for Ashton-under-Lyne, welcomed the reforms, saying: “The Lifelong Learning Entitlement is a game changer for people across Tameside who want to better their prospects through education, but still have to juggle busy lives.
“For too long, people haven’t felt like they’ve had the opportunity to pursue the job they want or the skills they need because they think they’ve missed the boat or don’t have the time.
“Labour is backing working people across Ashton-under-Lyne, giving them the chance to seize opportunities, unlock new skills and drive growth.”
Skills Minister Jacqui Smith said the changes would give people more freedom to study in a way that fits around their lives.
“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 in 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.”
The government has also confirmed that some people who already hold degrees may still be eligible for support under the new system, particularly those looking to retrain in priority sectors.