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Adult Learners

Whether your career ambitions are big or small, we believe it’s never too late to achieve your full potential.

Adult Learning Opportunities at B&FC

It's never too late to achieve your career dream - especially when you study a career-focused course at B&FC. We offer help with funding, lots of ongoing support and timetabling that fits around your life. So what's stopping you?

Maybe you've ended up in a job which is not where you want to be. Or perhaps you're always passed over for promotion and want to gain the skills to increase your chances of success.

You might even struggle with the basics which you know is holding you back. Whatever you want to achieve, we've got a wealth of experience and expertise to help you get there.

Prospectus for Adult Learners
  • New Year. New Futures. New You.

    Start the year by investing in your future! Explore free and flexible courses launching this month.

    View Courses Starting in 2026

Discover Your Path to Success

Introducing Your Adult Community Engagement Team

At B&FC, our friendly Adult Community Team is here to support you if you’re thinking about returning to learning, changing direction, or developing new skills.

You can find the team at a range of local venues, including community centres, libraries, and community group spaces across Blackpool, Fylde and Wyre, as well as at weekly no appointment needed drop in sessions at the Bispham Campus. Your work coach can also arrange an appointment for you at one of the team’s weekly Jobcentre sessions.

The team offers friendly, informal conversations about returning to education, your career goals and the funding and support available to you as an adult learner. To find out when they’ll next be at a location near you, or to arrange an informal chat, you can contact them by phone or email.

Call: 01253 504231 (Option 4)
Email: adultcourses@blackpool.ac.uk
 

Drop In Dates Available
 

It All Starts With a Helping Hand

Why B&FC is a great choice for Adult Learners

  • Most courses are FREE or have no upfront fees
  • Timetables are designed to fit around your commitments
  • Extra financial support is available for eligible students
  • Personalised learning support for every learner
  • Careers advice to ensure your course aligns with your career goals
  • A smooth enrolment process to get started stress-free
     
  • FREE healthy breakfast
  • FREE Blackpool Transport travel pass
  • FREE career planning

Financial Support and Course Fees for Adult Learners

  • Course Fees

    If you meet any of the following criteria you may be eligible for full funding, which means you won't have to pay any course fees. You must be:

    Enrolling on an English or maths Functional Skills/GCSE course if you have not achieved a Grade C+/4+
    Aged 19-23, enrolling to a Full Level 2/3 Qualification and do not already have a Full Level 2/3 qualification

    Enrolling on a course up to level 2 and are:
    Unemployed 
    Working and earning less than £25,750

    Enrolling on a course funded via the Government's Free Courses For Jobs (FCFJ) offer (Level 3) and are:
    19-23 and do not already have a Full Level 3 qualification
    19+ and are unemployed or working and earning below £25,750

    Please note that Government funding rules and earning thresholds for 26/27 have not yet been updated, so these figures may change.

    Extra financial support

    The following non-repayable financial support is available for eligible students:

    • Help with childcare costs
    • FREE or discounted 24/7 Blackpool Transport travel pass
    • FREE healthy breakfast

  • Advanced Learner Loan

    If you don't qualify for a FREE course, you can still secure funding for adult learning with an Advanced Learner Loan which will cover the fees for your course and is only repayable once you've completed your course and are earning over £25,000 a year.

    If you are earning an annual salary of:

    £25,000 or less - £0 monthly repayment

    £26,000 - £7.50 monthly repayment - Less than a weekly Starbucks

    £30,000 - £37.50 monthly repayment - The average cost of a takeaway for two

    £35,000 - £75.00 monthly repayment - The price of a premium TV and broadband package

    £40,000 - £112.50 monthly repayment - A head to toe pamper session
     

    You will only need to take out an Advanced Learner Loan if:

    • Your course is not eligible for Government funding as described above in the Course Fees section AND
    • You are over 19 years of age and studying a Level 3 qualification
       
    Visit our Financial Support page for more information

Not Found What You’re Looking For?

  • Courses for Adult Learners

    Explore our comprehensive list of courses designed specifically for adult learners. Discover diverse subjects and flexible learning options to meet your career goals.

    Find Your Course
  • Industry Training & CPD

    Enhance your professional skills with our industry training and continuous professional development (CPD) courses. Gain the relevant accreditations you need to elevate your career and keep you competitive.

    Discover Industry Training
  • Open Events

    Join us at our upcoming open events to learn more about our courses and opportunities. Save the date to experience our welcoming community and discover how we can support your learning journey.

    Save the Date