Eligibility
All lifelong learning courses are for people aged 19 years and over on 31 August 2023.
You must also have lived in the UK for a minimum period which will differ depending on, for example, whether you are a UK national or not (please speak to a member of staff if you have any queries about your eligibility).
Course fees can be made up of a tuition fee, sometimes an examination or assessment fee and a materials fee.
Pay for your course
There are several ways you can pay for your lifelong learning course.
Pay in full
If your course fee is less than £70 you must make full payment at enrolment. Your position on the course is not secure until payment has been made.
By instalments
If your course fee is £70 or more, you can pay in three equal instalments over three consecutive months in cash or via a debit/credit card.
If you withdraw from your course you will be charged the outstanding balance of the full cost of the course.
By employer
If your employer is paying for your course you must provide a letter of confirmation on letter-headed paper from your employer.
The Lifelong Learning Team will send them an invoice.
By phone
You can pay over the phone (by credit/debit card only) if your course does not require pre-course advice and guidance and if you are paying the full fee.
Please ring any centre to enrol and pay.
Examination/accreditation fees
Courses with a qualification (accredited courses) have an examination or accreditation fee.
This fee is included in the course fee for the majority of courses.
Where there are separate examination charges you will pay for these during the course.
You will not able to enrol onto any accredited courses unless you intend to achieve the award and complete the course.
This is a requirement of the funding agreement with the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) or Education & Skills Funding Agency (ESFA).
If you wish to do a course without a qualification there is a range of options where you enrol each term.
Books and equipment
You may need stationery, textbooks or other materials for some subjects.
Please refer to the course information sheet or ask your tutor at your first class before buying any items.
You may be able to borrow books from your library
Concessionary status
Our Courses:
Learners entitled to a concessionary rate do not pay any fees for our courses that are funded by the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA).
If you are in receipt of a benefit, proof of this must be shown when you enrol for your course.
Please bring original documents as we are unable to accept photocopies. All our courses are for adults aged 19 years and over on 31 August 2023.
You qualify for a concessionary rate on our courses if you are:
- In receipt of Job Seeker’s Allowance;
- In receipt of Employment and Support Allowance (work-related activity only);
- In receipt of Universal Credit (work-related requirements group, work preparation group or work-focused group);
- Studying a Maths or English (Skills for Life) course
- Aged 19-23 and studying at Entry Level, Level 1 or 2 course (not ESOL) without having already obtained a Full Level 2;
- Aged 19-23 and studying your first Full Level 3;
- Employed and earning less than £23,104 annual gross salary.
You may be entitled to a concession if you are unemployed, in receipt of another state benefit and you wish to study for a course that may help you gain employment.
You will need to discuss this with one of our Information, Advice and Guidance staff before you enrol.
If you have difficulty paying the course fees and are on a low income you can apply to the Discretionary Learner Support Fund for financial support when you enrol.
Specialist courses and small groups
There are some courses not funded by the GMCA offered at competitive rates.
Refunds
You will only get a refund if your class closes or if you give advance notice no later than one week before the course start date that you wish to withdraw. If you withdraw later than this you will not be entitled to a refund and if you are paying by instalment you will be charged the outstanding balance of the full cost of the course.
Oldham Lifelong Learning Service tries to provide courses and services as published.
If the Service needs to alter, postpone or cancel courses or services (e.g. a course may close or merge because there aren't enough learners) the Oldham Lifelong Learning Service cannot be held liable for any additional costs incurred by you because of the changes.
The Service makes every effort to find a suitable alternative for you if a change does happen.