People who want to get back into education and study for a degree can get there for free at East Riding College.
The College, with campuses in Bridlington and Beverley, offers free courses in English and maths, including GCSEs, to help adult learners improve their essential literacy and numeracy skills.
And students who study for a Level Three Access to Higher Education Diploma – which helps learners make the step up to degree level – can have their fees written off if they pay for the course using a 24+ Advanced Learning Loan.
Principal Derek Branton said: “Many adults come to the College with a desire to study for a degree but without the crucial literacy and numeracy skills needed for higher level study.
“Our English and Maths Skills courses – which cost the learner nothing at all – are ideal to help people get back into studying and develop these essential skills.
“In addition, the government has pledged to write off learner loans which have paid for the Access to Higher Education course once the student successfully completes their degree.
“This represents an excellent opportunity to make the step up to higher level study and progress your career and at the same time save a very significant amount of money on course fees.”
The College runs English and maths courses from a basic level up to GCSEs, with tutors who are expert in assisting adults who have been out of education for some years.
The English and Maths Skills courses are free to all and GCSE English and Maths are free to those who do not already have the qualification at grade C or above.
The Level Three Access to Higher Education Diploma is recognised by the vast majority of universities as the qualification for adults who are returning to education and who need to gain UCAS points for entry to degrees and other qualifications.
It enables students to specialise in pathways such as teaching, social sciences and nursing, and every year helps East Riding College students successfully apply to university or to the College’s own growing range of HE courses.
The new 24+ Advanced Learning Loans – which have similar interest and repayment terms to higher education student loans – are available for the Access course and the government has said these loans will be written of once the student completes their degree.
For more information about East Riding College courses, go to www.eastridingcollege.ac.uk and for details of 24+ Advanced Learner Loans go to www.eastridingcollege.ac.uk/loans