Navigating a clear pathway through the complex world of funding information can be challenging, but Open College Network West Midlands can support you in quickly finding the information you need. The diagram below represents the current funding streams available in England for 19+ public funding, and how they map across to our extensive qualifications offer. In addition to this we provide useful information below to guide you with a range of links which take you straight to the information you may require.
How can I find out if an Open College Network qualification is eligible for funding?
The Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA) provide funding for different qualifications in England; details of which can be found here:
https://hub.fasst.org.uk. To search for our funded qualifications on the Hub type OPENCOLLNETWESTMID in the box "Awarding Org Code or Name."
Adult Education Budget (AEB) Devolution
In 2015-16 the government agreed a series of devolution deals between central government and local areas, also known as Mayoral Combined Authorities (MCA's) in England.
As part of the devolution deals certain adult education functions are to be transferred from the Secretary of State for Education to the MCA's. This means that the MCAs will take on responsibility for the AEB, so the approach to this budget will now be based on each particular region's education and training needs for learners aged 19 and above.
From 2019-20 the AEB will be develoved to the following 6 MCAs and through a delegation agreement to the Mayor of London for the Greater London Authority (GLA):
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Cambridgeshire and Peterborough
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Greater Manchester
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Liverpool City Region
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Tees Valley
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West Midlands
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West of England
More information on devolution can be found on the government website.
Funding Details for 2018-19
Good News - Virtually all of our qualifications attract funding. The funding sections below provide guidance on the various funding streams that relate to our qualifications.
<16 school-Section 96+SEND
The vast majority of our varied and valuable qualifications - over 200 qualifications available, are funded under Section 96. These cover a diverse range of subject areas and specialisms. Our list of funded qualifications and specific information on eligibility for funding under Section 96 for 2018 to 2019 can be found here: https://section96.education.gov.uk/Home/Downloads
In addition to this, our portfolio includes qualifications accessible to centres offering more 'school' based courses:
“The Education and Skills Funding Agency provides pre-16 funding for schools to local authorities via dedicated schools grants. This funding is distributed to schools in the local authority…” https://www.gov.uk/guidance/pre-16-schools-funding-guidance-for-2018-to-2019
Alternative websites:
https://www.gov.uk.guidance/section –96–qualifications
16-19 Study Programme
Maximise your learners' success by including a range of funded employability and/or entrepreneurship skills in tutorial time, as part of your learners' study programme and associated curriculum. With our qualification offer, you can give your learners an additional qualification, giving them a competitive edge. These qualifications have already been successfully delivered by many of the colleges we work with and have proved to be highly successful with a range of centres and learners. We continue to develop this portfolio with additional qualifications. This includes our new Prevent Duty Awareness qualifications at Entry 3 and Level 1. Please access our study programme page to support you in meeting the requirements of the study programme.
Please use the links below to our qualifications page for additional qualifications to support the delivery of tutorials, induction and the study programme:
https://www.opencollnet.org.uk/qualifications
https://www.opencollnet.org.uk/qualifications/accrediting-tutorial-time
For more information on study programmes please access: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/16-to-19-funding-how-it-works
19+ including 19-23 entitlement funding and 19+ local flexibility funding
The vast majority of our Entry 1, Entry 2, Entry 3, Level 1 and Level 2 qualifications are funded under local flexibility funding, and again specific information on each qualification offered and funding can be accessed via the HUB. To search for our funded qualifications on the Hub type OPENCOLLNETWESTMID in the box "Awarding Org Code or Name."
As centres, you can respond to local area needs and improve local outcomes by choosing from our diverse portfolio or by developing customised provision with us. To help you use this funding effectively, information on qualifications within this funding stream is provided here: Adult Education Budget (AEB)
The 19-23 entitlement funding covers
first level 2 and level 3 qualifications only. This can also include some apprenticeships (see ESFA Apprenticeship funding page or
Institute for Apprenticeships).
Advanced Learner Loans
We currently offer our centres over 60 varied and valuable qualifications eligible for funding under this stream.
This funding only supports Level 3 to 6 qualifications; and the majority of learners should be able to access a 19+ FE loan or Advanced Learner Loan. These aim to help learners aged 19+ to manage the costs of learning to enable progression in education, employment and life. This covers a broad range of sectors from Creative & Digital to Education and Training.
Our full list of qualifications with Advanced Learner Loan funding can be found here
The 2018 to 2019 national catalogue can be found
here and here is the newly published 2019 to 2020 Advanced Learner Loan Catalogue.
There is also a link here to the Draft Advanced Learner Loans Funding Rules for 2019 to 2020.
Adult Education Budget (AEB) / English and maths Entitlement Funding
The AEB funds the delivery of education and training for learners aged 19+ and the funding can be accessed through local training providers or colleges.
The AEB aims to engage adults and provide the skills and l;earning needed to progress in work or equip them for an apprentice.
Emplyers can access AEB to improve or refresh the skills of their current workforce, and learners can utilise the AEB to gain new skills to prepare them for the workplace, improve progression opportunities or support a career change.
There is also national support through the current funding methodology via the ESFA for individuals to progress and develop their English Language and maths skills. They can achieve qualifications supported by this funding, - thereby increasing the numbers of individuals achieving GCSE grade A* to C (or grade 9 - 4) qualification or Functional Skills Level 2.
We offer an attractive range of eligible flexible qualifications that centres can use across numerous sectors, enabling pathways for learners - taking them successfully from Entry Level upwards, and developing those essential skills needed for employment, further study and life enhancement. We also offer many short, flexible qualifications that are eligible for AEB funding - see our Short Qualification Offer
ESF Funding
European Social Funds (ESF) are used in a number of ways. This includes the funding of qualifications to finance ESF projects, training and education. We advise that because of the varied nature of these funds; you check on the HUB for qualifications' funding eligibility. To search for our funded qualifications on the Hub type OPENCOLLNETWESTMID in the box "Awarding Org Code or Name."
The attached link sets out the rules for “funding the 2014 to 2020 European Social Fund (ESF) programme”. It is also worth checking if any current ESF projects provide overarching funding which links to one of our current qualifications. Some of the main aims of ESF include:
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"improve employment opportunities in the European Union and help raise standards of living"
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"help people to get better skills and better job prospects"
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"help equip the workforce with the skills needed by business in a competitive global economy"