Use our quick and easy course search facility. Type in a subject, place or day and relevant courses will appear on screen - once you click the course you require you can download a course information sheet giving more details about the course content.  Alternatively check the downloadable whole county course listings (PDF, 2.5MB), or call us on FREEphone 0800 988 0308 and we will be happy to help.

Enrolling this year couldn’t be easier! If you are sure about the course you would like to join, you can do so from the comfort of your own home by calling our FREEphone number 0800 988 0308 - usual opening times Monday-Thursday 9am-5pm and Fridays 9am-4pm, but variations may occasionaly apply.  You can also enrol online now through our course search.

If you are not sure which is the right course or level for you we can give you free, impartial information and advice on learning and work to help you choose the best course. Just phone and ask for one of our advisers to contact you.

When you enrol you will be sent a learner handbook (PDF, 720KB) which details all the essential information you will need to know.  It contains information about our learning charter and support available to help your learning process.  It also gives information about the new proof of residency that we require, and the Unique Learner Number that will be issued to you on enrolment.

If you require any other information or clarification about these new processes then please do not hesitate to contact our enrolment team for more information on 0800 988 0308.

This policy sets out how Leicestershire Adult Learning Service uses and protects any information that you give when you use this website.

All our courses are subsidised by the Government. Learners who are in receipt of certain benefits can get between 70% and 100% discount. Whether or not you are receiving benefit, you may be entitled to help from the Learner Support Fund.

100% Tuition Fee Reduction: If you are on a course and fall into the following categories:

• Those in receipt of Job Seekers Allowance;

• Those in receipt of Employment and Support Allowance (work related activity group only);

• Those in receipt of Universal Credit (Mandated to training)

• Those studying a Skills for Life course (not ESOL);

• Those studying an entry or level 1 course, if unemployed and on a state benefit, or between 19-23 years of age, who do not already possess a full level 2 qualification and require the course for progression to level 2.

Additionally, they have agreed to meet the full cost of certain courses for those who are unemployed and claiming other means-tested benefits who need the skills to enter employment. You must sign a self-declaration form to confirm that you intend to enter into employment and that you need the qualification in order to do so.

70% Tuition Fee Reduction: If you are on a course and you receive any of the following benefits, you pay 30% of the full course tuition fee:

Housing Benefit or Council Tax Benefit (excluding Single Person Discount), Income Support, Pension Guarantee Credit (Savings Credit only is not eligible), Employment Support Allowance, Job Seekers Allowance, Asylum Seeker claiming Asylum Support assistance, Working Tax Credit (conditions apply), Incapacity Benefit, Disability Living Allowance/Personal Independance Payment, Carer’s Allowance, Universal Credit, Attendance Allowance or you are an unwaged adult dependant of anyone receiving one of the previously mentioned benefits.

Evidence of entitlement to these reductions is required at joining (photocopies not acceptable). Courses are available at the stated fee to all adults who can prove residency in the UK/ European Economic Area for 3 years prior to 1 September and who are not full time students at school, college or university (for adults in these categories the fee will be 2 times the stated amount to cover the actual cost). You may be able to pay your course fee in instalments if the cost is more than £50 - please ask at enrolment.

This fund is available to help learners with course costs. You may be able to apply for help with Leicestershire Adult Learning Service course/exam fees, child care, transport, books and materials. If you are on a low income you may be eligible for “Threshold” funding for up to 50% of the course fee.

If you’re starting a course on or after 1 August 2013 you may qualify for a 24+ Advanced Learning Loan. These loans help you to pay the tuition fees charged by colleges and training organisations. Most learners aged 24 and over, studying at level 3 and above, will qualify for these new loans from the UK government. It’s easy to apply, your household income isn’t taken into account and there’s no credit check. You won’t have to pay anything back until your income is over £21,000 a year. Download a factsheet (PDF, 348KB) and a frequently asked questions (PDF, 1MB) sheet for more information.  Alternatively, visit nationalcareersservice.direct.gov.uk/advancedlearningloans

We will make every effort to run all the courses advertised, but we may have to close a course where the enrolment is low, or occasionally merge with another course and move to another venue.  If we have to close a course we will let you know as soon as possible and arrange a refund or help you to transfer to another course - we will endeavour to give you at least one week's notice that your course will not be running. We recommend you do not purchase materials or equipment relevant to your course until you know the course is running.

Refunds are not normally given except when we close a course.  However, consideration will be given to written requests from learners who have to withdraw on written medical advice or in exceptional circumstances.  These refunds are subject to an administration charge of £5.00.

The County Council is committed to equal opportunities for all “regardless of their colour, race, nationality, ethnic or national origin, religion, gender, marital status, sexuality, disability, age or any other unjustifiable criterion”.

If you have a disability or support need we will do our best to provide extra help and make classes and learning accessible to all. Please speak to staff about your particular needs or complete the section on the enrolment form and we’ll do the rest.

All learners should have a healthy, safe and supportive environment.  Leicestershire Adult Learning Service actively promotes the safeguarding of all learners (within Leicestershire County Council guidelines).

If you have any concerns about your safety or the safety of someone you know, talk to your tutor, or get in touch with:

Alison Doggett – alison.doggett@leics.gov.uk 0116 2670048