EDUCATION
Planning for the Future
Education is for anyone of any age, whether you want to take up a formal qualification or learn more about an interest. Being a Carer can make continuing, accessing and returning to education more difficult. If you are considering any type of learning, we hope this page gives you the information you need to make an informed decision.
Getting into studying
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.
- LearnDirect offers online and workplace learning.
- Use the National Careers Service to search for local courses and find out more about funding.
- Find out about other courses you can study online, often free of charge.
- Find out about courses in English for Speakers of Other Languages (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, but you will need to register to access some of the training. Includes topics such as Starting to use the Internet, How to use email, and how to apply for a job.
- Find out about digital courses you can study online
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 become 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 support is available to help pay for courses?
Studying can sometimes be expensive, but there may be concessions for older people – so make sure you ask. Many institutions also allow distance learning so you can study from home and save costs.
You should be able to get some financial help towards paying for your studying. The Family Action’s Educational Grants Programme gives grants to individuals over the age of 14, looking to participate 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 start to pay this loan back when you finish your course and you’re earning over £21,000.
Check if you’re eligible to apply for an Advanced Learner Loan by clicking here
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
How do I find a college or university course?
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.
Students with Caring responsibilities
Information from Ucas.com
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.