Funding for Ofqual Qualifications
England
At Open Awards we work with subject experts and ESFA to devise fundable qualifications that will help to upskill and reskill learners looking for work, and support national and regional recovery plans.
Funding streams include the European Social Fund (ESF) and Adult Education Budget (AEB). This landscape is complex and subject to change beyond Open Awards’ control. However, we hope that the following will be helpful to you.
AEB Devolution
- Several Mayoral Combined Authorities (MCA) in England now make decisions about some aspects of adult education. They can help you address your region’s skills gap and improve your delivery.
- You can find out if a qualification is eligible for funding through the Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA) website which has the most up-to-date information available and before you deliver our Ofqual qualifications.
Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland
Open Awards does not restrict the delivery of Ofqual qualification, other than they must be delivered and assessed in the English Language. Should Providers wish to deliver these in other countries within the UK (i.e. Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland), they should check with the appropriate funding authorities attached to the various countries.
Overseas
Open Awards Ofqual qualifications can be delivered in other countries where learners are English Speakers.
Section 96
For Providers who deliver to Pre-16 and 16–19 please see the Department for Education (DfE) website under Section 96 of the Learning and Skills Act 2000. Funding is subject to change beyond Open Awards’ control, so always check for the most up-to-date information.
Advanced Learner Loans
Open Awards’ Level 3 qualifications can attract Advanced Learners Loans. The loan can enable you to pay for your course. In addition, Student Finance England will ‘write off’ any outstanding Advanced Learner Loan balances you owe for an Access to HE course once you complete a higher education course. This means you do not have to repay it.
For more information on this please visit the Advanced Learner Loan .gov website. Learners should speak with their Providers to find out more information.
Disclaimer – Open Awards works in partnership with external funding agencies to ensure that funding is available for qualifications. However, Open Awards does not have control of the allocation nor distribution of funding. If you have any queries we advise you to the Department for Education.