Ruth welcomes new reforms to adult learning

• From September 2026 new reforms mean student finance will be available for retraining later in life and shorter courses, for the first time in its history.

• West Thames College in Isleworth is one of first 130 universities and colleges approved to offer new bite-sized courses, with applications opening this September.

• The change means people across Hounslow can gain qualifications over time, instead of facing the choice between a three-year full-time degree or nothing, opening up opportunities for thousands of people to fit learning around their everyday lives.

Adults balancing responsibilities such as work and childcare will now have a new route into university and college thanks to radical reforms by the Government to create a new, more flexible student finance system – in a move labelled as a ‘game changer’ by Ruth Cadbury MP.

From September 2026, for the first time ever adults will be able to access student finance for shorter, flexible, bite-sized courses, known as “modules”, as well as traditional university degrees.  The Government has confirmed the first 130 universities and colleges – including West Thames College in Isleworth– approved to offer the new smaller courses through the system, which people will be able to apply for this September. 

The change is part of the Lifelong Learning Entitlement, as set out in the Governments Post-16 Education and Skills White Paper last year, with people now able to see the universities and colleges across the country where they will be able to use the new funding system.

The funding of these new smaller courses mean people can gain qualifications over time, rather than needing to complete a rigid three-year full-time degree in one go, which previously locked thousands of people out of learning. The modules on offer will focus on subjects that will tackle skills shortages, including economics and computing, engineering and architecture, as well as health and social care.

Applications for student finance will open in September 2026, for anyone starting courses or the new modules from January 2027. Under the new system, people will be able to access funding equivalent to four years of post-18 study, currently worth up to £39,160. 

This money can be used flexibly across the new modules, shorter courses or full degrees over the course of their working lives. Eligible students will also be able to apply for maintenance support to help with living costs and funding will be provided in smaller amounts linked to the size of the course being studied, rather than only through full academic years.

Commenting in full Ruth Cadbury MP said:

“The Lifelong Learning Entitlement is a game changer for adults across my constituency who want to start learning again but still have to juggle busy lives.

“For too long, people haven’t felt like they’ve had the opportunity to pursue the job they want, to move careers or to learn a new skill because they think they’ve missed the boat or don’t have the time.’’

‘‘I know this has particularly impacted working women, including those who had a poor schooling experience in the 70s and 80s.  You are never too old to learn and this new scheme will make a big difference for so many adults locally.’’

‘‘If we want to continue to grow our economy and ensure businesses have workers with the skills they need for the future then life-long learning can play a key role.’’

Skills Minister Jacqui Smith said: 

“Financial support should be available whether you want to do a degree, take a short course, or retrain later in life. Our changes will make that happen, with the option to access student finance in any stage of life.

“Whether it’s fitting study around a job, retraining for a completely new career, juggling childcare, or getting qualifications later in life, the new Lifelong Learning Entitlement will open up new opportunities for thousands more people to build the careers they want and get on in life.”