The Adult Education Budget (AEB) funds the delivery of full and part time education and training for learners aged 19+.
The funding can be accessed through local training providers or colleges. The AEB aims to engage adults and provide the skills and learning needed to progress in work and life. The age of the learner and previous qualification attainment levels determine whether the course can be fully funded, co-funded (a fees contribution) or the uptake of a loan.
The level of government contribution for ESFA funded AEB is as follows:
| Provision | 19-23-year-olds | 24+ other |
English and maths, up to and including level 2 (Must be delivered as part of the legal entitlement)
| Fully funded*
| Fully funded*
|
Level 2 (excluding English and maths) (First full level 2 must be delivered as part of the legal entitlement)
| Fully funded* (first and full)
| Co-funded+
|
Learning to progress to level 2
| Fully funded^ (up to and including level 1)
| Co-funded+
|
Level 3 (First full level 3 must be delivered as part of the legal entitlement)
| Fully funded* (first and full) Loan-funded** (previously achieved full level 3 or above)
| Loan Funded |
Traineeship#
| Fully funded (including 16- to 24- year-olds##)
| N/A |
English for speakers of other languages (ESOL) learning up to and including level 2
| Co-funded+
| Co-funded+
|
Learning aims up to and including level 2, where the learner has already achieved a first full level 2, or above
| Co-funded+
| Co-funded+
|
Learning aims up to and including level 2, where the learner has not achieved a first full level 2, or above
| N/A | Co-funded+
|
Notes
*Must be delivered as one of the English and maths, and/or first full level 2 or first full level 3 qualifications required as part of the legal entitlements.
^Must be delivered as entry or level one provision from local flexibility.
# Excludes flexible element where funding depends on age and level.
## 16- to 18-year-old learners must be eligible under the ESFA's young people's residency
requirements.
** Availability of loans at level 3 does not replace the legal entitlement to full funding for learners aged 19 to 23 undertaking their first full level 3.
+ Low wage flexibility may apply, refer to ESFA guidance.