EDUCATION
If you are considering any type of learning, we hope this page gives you the information you need to make an informed decision.
Plan for Education
Whether you’re thinking of starting a course, returning to study after a break, or needing support to stay enrolled — this page is for you.
We know being an unpaid carer brings extra responsibilities, and we want to help you succeed.
The Carers’ Support Service offers a range of training and workshops to support you in your caring role. Opportunities include Understanding Dementia, Managing Stress and Anxiety, Cooking for Beginners, Legal Matters and more.
Opportunities are free to any Carer that is registered with us for support and can be found on our ‘What’s On’ page
We can also support you to access local adult education courses and training via adult social services.
You can call us to talk about training and skills you feel you need or want to learn.
Use these buttons to navigate the page quickly
Why study matters and the challenges for Carers
Why study matters
Education can be life changing. It gives you the chance to gain new skills and qualifications for better opportunities. Learning can also increase your confidence and independence. Many carers find that studying helps them rediscover a sense of identity and purpose.
Returning to study can also help you meet new people and feel more connected. Joining a course gives you a supportive space to grow, share experiences, and build social networks. Education is not only about work. It can also be about self-care, curiosity, and personal development.
… and the challenges for Carers
However, many carers face unique challenges when they start studying again. Balancing caring responsibilities with coursework can be difficult. You may have appointments, family duties, or household tasks that take up your time.
Money can also be a worry. Paying for travel, course materials, or reducing work hours may create financial pressure. Emotional strain is another common challenge. It can be hard to focus on your own learning while you care for someone else.
Knowing these challenges early helps you plan ahead. You can look for flexible study options, financial help, and emotional support. With good preparation, carers can return to education and succeed. You deserve the same opportunities to learn and grow as anyone else.
Getting ready: before you enrol
- Reflect on how much time you realistically have, and whether part-time study might suit you. Be realistic, study takes a lot of time, both in the classes and completing assignments/reading/revising for exams.
- Check whether your preferred course offers flexible delivery (evening classes, weekend courses, blended learning, online)
- Speak to the course provider early — many colleges/universities can make reasonable adjustments or offer special support
- Ask about extra support for carers at the institution (some have “carer liaison officers” or support schemes)
- Arrange for a Carer Assessment and talk to them about respite (where applicable) for support whilst you study. More details can be found here on our Carer Assessment page
How can adult carers get back into education?
How can adult carers get back into education?
The PEARL website (Part-time Education for Adults Returning to Learn) can help if you want to return to learning. It has links and resources and can help you find the right course for you.
It is aimed at adults who live in England or Wales and is part of an Open University-led initiative.
What qualifications do I need to be a mature student?
What qualifications do I need to be a mature student?
When it comes to entry requirements, many universities and colleges have a flexible admissions policy that takes into account work and life experience.
As entry requirements vary so much, it’s a good idea to get in touch with the admissions tutors for the courses in which you are interested. It could be worth meeting them to discuss your situation and your options before making an application. You may need to take an access course first.
To ease the transition back into education and help you settle in, universities and colleges often have orientation programmes tailored for mature students.
The UCAS guide for mature students is a thorough guide for those considering higher education.
What is an Access course?
What is an Access course?
Access to higher education courses teach the knowledge and skills that you will need to begin a degree or diploma course. They are run by local colleges, usually as evening classes.
There are over 1,500 access courses listed on the Access to HE website
Where can I find courses of interest to me?
The Complete University Guide provides a wealth of information on universities and courses.
UCAS process all UK university undergraduate applications. Visit their website to use the UCAS course search
The Open University have been proudly proclaiming their lack of an upper age limit and lack of formal entry requirements for longer than anyone else. They offer a range of distance learning courses.
What support is there for students with caring responsibilities?
What support is there for students with caring responsibilities?
You may be able to get extra support during your studies. This could include:
- financial help, such as a bursary
- support with managing your workload and deadlines
- help with your own health and wellbeing
There’s a variety of help available for students with care responsibilities, so it’s a good idea to do your research before you apply. We recommend you contact your university as early as possible to discuss your circumstances and any support needs you may have, however small or major they may seem. This will help you make a smooth transition to university and succeed in your ongoing studies.
Getting ready: Before you enrol
Financial help, bursaries & grants
Financial help, bursaries and grants
Studying can sometimes be expensive; however, many colleges and training providers offer concessions for older learners, so it is always worth asking. In addition, some institutions provide distance learning options, which means you can study from home and reduce travel or accommodation costs.
You should be able to get some financial help towards paying for your studying.
Furthermore, the Family Action Educational Grants Programme offers financial support to people aged 14 and above who want to take part in further education.
GOV.UK’s student finance calculator provides information on the financial help available to students in higher education in England.
You can apply for an Advanced Learner Loan to help fund a course at a college or training provider in England. You will begin repaying this loan once you have completed your course and your income rises above £21,000.
Check if you’re eligible to apply for an Advanced Learner Loan by clicking here
Local support
While specific local bursaries can change, your local colleges or adult education centres may have hardship funds, carer-specific support, or discretionary bursaries.
Also check with your Local council Adult Education Service in North and North East Lincolnshire for funding or learner support.
Course-specific bursaries or student support funds: Some universities set aside discretionary funds for students with caring roles — ask at your institution’s finance / student support department.
John Leggott College Financial Support
How to apply and what to prepare
- Get documentary evidence: proof you are an unpaid carer (e.g. letter, registration with carers’ service)
- Financial information: household income, benefits, etc.
- Course details: costs, duration, start date
- Submit your application early and follow up
- Don’t assume you won’t qualify — many funds have discretionary or flexible criteria
Staying on track: Support whilst your studying
Time management & self-care
- Build a realistic timetable, including rest and contingency time
- Use tools / apps to plan and organise
- Make sure you have regular breaks and peer / emotional support
Tailored institutional support
- Ask for “reasonable adjustments” if required (e.g. extended deadlines, flexible attendance)
- Access student support services, counselling, mentoring
- Use learning support / disability services even if your caring role doesn’t qualify as a disability
- Talk to your course tutor about your caring responsibilities
Peer & Carer networks
- Join student carer networks (if your institution has one)
- Connect with local carer support groups for mutual encouragement
- Look for study buddies or group support
Staying on track: Support while you study
Need to pause or reduce your study?
Need to pause or reduce your study?
Sometimes your caring responsibilities may increase, and continuing your studies can become difficult. In these situations, many courses allow temporary breaks, deferrals, or a switch to part-time learning. Therefore, it is important to contact your college or university as soon as possible to discuss your options.
When you speak with them, be open about your caring role and explain the reasons for any changes. This helps staff understand your circumstances and offer suitable support. After that, revisit your study plan and think about whether you could resume later or change the way you study.
Finally, try to keep in regular contact with your course provider. By staying in touch, you can stay informed, access ongoing support, and make returning to education much smoother when the time is right.
Organisations and services you can contact for advice, funding or support:
| National grants & funds | Carers Trust | Information on grants to help carers with costs Carers Trust |
| Higher education carer support | Universities offering YAC bursaries | e.g. University of Liverpool’s YAC Bursary (£1,000) University of Liverpool |
| Open University | Carers’ Scholarship Fund | To study with support / cost reduction Open University |
| Student finance / support | Your college / university’s financial support office | To explore discretionary funds, bursaries, hardship schemes |
| General grants search | Turn2us | Use their grants search tool for carers / students Turn2Us |
| Education for carer-students | GOV.uk | Extra support when training to teach Get Into Teaching |
| Local courses and information about funding | National Careers Service | Use the National Careers Service to search for local courses and find out more about funding |
| Online and workplace learning | Learn Direct | LearnDirect offers online and workplace learning. |
| Carers Trust | Carers Trust links to many courses that you can study online. These courses are often free of charge. | |
| Learning in English for speakers of other languages | Carers Trust/National Careers | Courses in English for speakers of other language ESOL |
Or contact your local library, community centre, council offices or college and ask about courses. The people there will be pleased to help and offer support.
Digital courses – using computers, tablets, the internet, social media and mobile phones
Age UK computer training courses explain things clearly in plain English to help older people get online.
UK online centres is a website which informs users of where free to use computers are located, for example at the local library.
Good Things Foundation is a website that hosts lots of different digital training videos and information. The content is free; however, you will need to register before accessing some of the training materials. In addition, the courses cover a variety of useful topics such as how to start using the internet, how to use email effectively, and how to apply for a job with confidence.
Find out about free digital courses you can study online through Carers Trust
Signposting & further help
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Frequently Asked Questions
Returning to education while caring for someone can feel challenging. Many carers want to study but worry about time, money, or losing support.
This section answers common questions about studying as a carer.
You will find practical advice on financial help for carers in education, course flexibility, and student support. It also explains how studying can fit around your caring responsibilities. Understanding your options makes planning easier and helps you feel more confident about returning to learning.
If you are wondering how to balance caring and studying, these answers will help you make informed choices and find the right support for your situation.
Can I still claim Carer’s Allowance while studying?
Can I still claim Carer’s Allowance while studying?
Usually no, if you are in full-time education (21+ hours) you may lose eligibility. (Check rules and how many hours count as “full time”)
What counts as evidence that I am a Carer?
What counts as evidence that I am a Carer?
Documents such as registration with The Carers’ Support Service, letters from professionals, benefit documentation, or statements from people you care for.
What if I find I can’t manage continuing?
What if I find I can’t manage continuing?
Speak to your course provider about deferring, reducing study load, or taking a break.
Are there tax credits / benefits I should know about?
Are there tax credits / benefits I should know about?
Use benefits calculators and consult national guidance (e.g. Turn2us) to check eligibility.
How often should I review my plan?
How often should I review my plan?
Revisit it at least termly — things change (caring demands, health, finances) and you may need to adjust.
Carers’ Support Service is here to make sure unpaid carers are seen, supported and never left to struggle alone.
The Carers’ Support Centre
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