NSCG Approved to Deliver New Lifelong Learning Entitlement Funded Courses
25 May 2026
Adult Learning
Newcastle and Stafford Colleges Group (NSCG) has been approved by the Department for Education to deliver Lifelong Learning Entitlement (LLE) funded modular provision in national priority subject areas, including engineering and computing, from January 2027.
The Lifelong Learning Entitlement (LLE) is the Government’s new approach to funding higher-level skills training. Alongside traditional qualifications such as HNCs, HNDs, Foundation Degrees and Degrees, eligible adults will, from January 2027, be able to access student finance to study shorter, career-focused modules.
The initiative has been designed to make higher-level learning more flexible and accessible, enabling adults to develop new skills, improve career prospects and respond to changing workforce demands.
Eligible students will also be able to apply for maintenance support to help with living costs, with funding linked proportionally to the size of the course or module being studied.
Liz Wyman, Head of HE, Resources and Guidance, said:
“We welcome any changes to funding which allow a wider range of students to access to our courses. Our modern and innovative learning spaces and state-of-the-art technology, combined with smaller group sizes and personalised learning, offer a fantastic opportunity for local people to benefit from higher-level study.”
The LLE will operate in a similar way to the current student finance system. Tuition fees will be covered through a loan, with repayments beginning only once earnings exceed a set income threshold. Monthly repayments will be based on income rather than the amount borrowed.
Individuals who already hold a degree may also be eligible to access the new funding if they have remaining entitlement available or wish to retrain in priority subject areas.
From September 2027, the LLE will also be available to fund selected Level 4 full courses at NSCG, including AAT and related qualifications, in addition to NSCG’s existing higher education offer. Current higher education provision includes subjects such as Engineering, Computing, Digital Content Creation, Performing Arts, Public Services, Sport and Education.
Funding arrangements for higher education courses starting in September 2026 will remain unchanged.
For further information about accessing higher education through the Lifelong Learning Entitlement, including available modules and courses, please contact Liz Wyman at Liz.wyman@nscg.ac.uk
Further details about the Lifelong Learning Entitlement are available from the UK Government: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/lifelong-learning-entitlement-lle-overview/lifelong-learning-entitlement-overview