Adults in Stone and across Staffordshire who want to retrain, upskill or return to higher level learning are set to get access to more flexible student finance under government reforms due to begin from 2026.
Newcastle and Stafford Colleges Group, Keele University and the University of Staffordshire are among the first providers approved to offer shorter courses through the new Lifelong Learning Entitlement.
The changes are aimed at people who want to study around work, childcare or other commitments, rather than committing straight away to a full degree.
From September 2026, people will be able to apply for student finance for shorter higher level courses, known as modules, as well as traditional university degrees. The first courses and modules under the new system are due to start from January 2027.
The Department for Education says the funding will allow people to build qualifications over time, with support linked to the size of the course being studied rather than only being available for full academic years.
For Stone residents, the Staffordshire providers on the first approved list mean there will be local and regional options available through nearby colleges and universities.
The full Staffordshire and nearby providers named in the West Midlands list include Newcastle and Stafford Colleges Group, Keele University and the University of Staffordshire. Other approved providers across the region include Aston University, Birmingham City University, Coventry College, Dudley College of Technology, Harper Adams University, Solihull College and University Centre, Telford College, University College Birmingham, University of Warwick, University of Worcester and Walsall College.
The government says modules will focus on subjects linked to skills shortages, including computing, engineering, architecture, economics, health and social care.
Under the new system, eligible people will be able to access funding equivalent to four years of post 18 study, currently worth up to £39,160. The money can be used flexibly across shorter courses, modules or full degrees during a person’s working life.
Maintenance support will also be available for eligible students to help with living costs.
People who already have a degree may still be able to access the new funding if they have remaining student finance available, or if they want to retrain in certain priority subject areas.
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.”
Applications for student finance under the new system are due to open in September 2026, for courses and modules starting from January 2027.
