Funding Your Course

Our non-accredited courses are £3 per hour or free if you're in receipt of the following eligible benefits (you'll need to show evidence when you enrol): 

• Income-based Job Seekers Allowance (excluding contribution-based)
• Housing Benefit or Council Tax support (excluding single person's discount)
• Employment Support Allowance
• Income Support
• Incapacity Benefit
• Working Tax Credit
• Pension Credit (excluding savings credit)
• Unwaged Dependents of those in receipt of the above benefits
• Identified elements of Universal Credit

However, if you have a financial barrier which may prevent you from enrolling on our courses you may be eligible to apply for learner support. For more information please contact us at learning@inspireculture.org.uk or telephone 0115 804 3611.

Our Family Learning courses are £3 per hour or free if you're in receipt of the following eligible benefits (you'll need to show evidence when you enrol): 

• Income-based Job Seekers Allowance (excluding contribution-based)
• Housing Benefit or Council Tax support (excluding single person's discount)
• Employment Support Allowance
• Income Support
• Incapacity Benefit
• Working Tax Credit
• Pension Credit (excluding savings credit)
• Unwaged Dependents of those in receipt of the above benefits
• Identified elements of Universal Credit

However, if you have a financial barrier which may prevent you from enrolling on our courses you may be eligible to apply for learner support. For more information please contact us at learning@inspireculture.org.uk or telephone 0115 804 3611.

Our maths and English courses are free to anyone who doesn't already have these qualifications at GCSE A*-C or 4-9.

Many of our accredited courses are no or low cost depending on your circumstances. 

The following criteria applies to our level 1 and 2 qualifications:

1. Courses are free if you earn less than £20,319 per annum (or £25,000 per annum for courses started after 1 August 2024) or you're on means-tested benefit.
2. Payment help is available if you earn more than £20,319 per annum (or £25,000 per annum for courses started after 1 August 2024) but are on a low-income. We may be able to help pay part or all of your course fees. E-mail learning@inspireculture.org.uk for an application form or if you have any questions.
3. Co-funded fees are available if you are on a higher-income. The government will pay approximately half of your course fees. 

The following criteria applies to our level 3 qualifications (excludes Skills Bootcamps - see below):

1. Courses are free if you are aged 19+ and;
2. You earn less than £20,319 per annum (or £25,000 per annum for courses started after 1 August 2024) (individual, not household); OR
3. You do not already hold a level 3 qualification.

If you already have a Level 3 (full) qualification, but have an individual income of more than £20,319 per annum (or £25,000 per annum for courses started after 1 August 2024), you will be required to pay fees (for 50%) of the cost of the course.

The following criteria applies to our Skills Bootcamps:

1. Courses are free if you are working age (19+) and;
2. You are a resident of Nottingham, Nottinghamshire, Derby, Derbyshire, Leicester, Leicestershire, Lincoln or Lincolnshire.

We offer flexible payment options for some of our accredited courses. Please speak to us on 0115 804 3611 or email learning@inspireculture.org.uk

Our Access to Higher Education courses may be funded though a 19+ Advanced Learner Loan.

If you are aged 19 or over on the day your course starts we can support and guide you through the loan application if you study with us. The loan isn’t means tested and you won’t pay anything back until you are earning at least £27,295 a year.

Unless you qualify for a free place, payment should be made in full at the time of booking online or by phone. Please make sure you complete our e-enrolment form prior to the start of your course to confirm your place. 

If you would like to pay by phone, please call us on 01623 677 200.

Some courses may ask you to bring materials or ask for a small payment to cover material costs. Details will be given at the time of booking or at the first session.

At the first session, you'll be asked for some details as part of your enrolment, please bring proof of benefits if you're hoping to qualify for a free place.

View and download our fees policy.

If for any reason you're unable to attend the course, please let us know so we can offer your place to someone else.

For refunds, please download and complete our tuition fee refund form.

Learning Fees Policy 23-24