Free English, maths and digital skills: your legal entitlements
Some courses in England are funded as legal entitlements, so they’re free whatever you earn if you meet the rules. The funding rules say these entitlements are set out in the Apprenticeships, Skills, Children and Learning Act 2009. They’re paid for by the Adult Skills Fund (formerly the Adult Education Budget).
These are the rules for 2026/27, for courses that start between 1 August 2026 and 31 July 2027.
What you’re entitled to
If you’re 19 or over on 31 August 2026 and meet the rules on where you live, you can get these courses free:
| Course | Who it’s for |
|---|---|
| English up to Level 2, including GCSE and Functional Skills | You don’t have a GCSE in English at grade 4 (C) or above, or something similar |
| Maths up to Level 2, including GCSE and Functional Skills | You don’t have a GCSE in maths at grade 4 (C) or above, or something similar |
| Essential digital skills up to Level 1 | Your digital skills are assessed as below Level 1 |
| Your first full Level 2 qualification | You’re 19 to 23 and don’t already have a full Level 2 |
| Your first full Level 3 qualification | You’re 19 to 23 and don’t already have a full Level 3 |
There’s no earnings test for any of these. You can be working full time, on any wage.
English and maths
You can study English or maths for free, up to and including Level 2, if you don’t already have a GCSE at grade 4 or above in that subject. Some providers can also assess you. If the assessment shows your skills are below grade 4, they may be able to fund you even if you passed at school.
The funding rules cover both:
- GCSE, which is the same qualification taken at school
- Functional Skills, which focuses on using English and maths in everyday life and work
Employers, colleges and universities decide for themselves whether they accept Functional Skills in place of a GCSE at grade 4, so check with them before you choose.
The funding is for being taught the course. The funding rules say a provider will not be funded to enter you for a GCSE resit exam only, so you shouldn’t expect free exam-only entry.
Both are taught at local colleges and adult learning centres. Some are also offered online.
English for speakers of other languages (ESOL)
ESOL is not a legal entitlement, but the funding rules fund it as a policy entitlement, up to Level 2. It’s fully funded if you’re unemployed or earn under £26,800 a year. If you earn more, it’s co-funded, so you or your employer pay part of the cost.
Digital skills
You can study essential digital skills for free up to Level 1, if you’re assessed as being below that level. These courses cover things like using email, staying safe online, filling in forms and using apps.
The government published new essential digital skills standards in July 2026, so course names may change. Essential Digital Skills Qualifications and digital Functional Skills qualifications remain in place for now. Ask the provider what they offer.
Your first Level 2 or Level 3, aged 19 to 23
If you’re 19 to 23, you can get your first full Level 2 qualification free, and then your first full Level 3, whatever you earn. Providers must not charge you course fees for these.
The funding rules say which qualifications count as a full Level 2 or Level 3. A short certificate or award may not count, so ask the provider. If you’re 24 or over, a Level 3 may still be free through Free Courses for Jobs, if you’re unemployed or earn under £26,800.
Where you live
You must normally live in the UK, be allowed to live here, and study in England. The full rules are in who can get a free course.
If you live in a devolved area, such as Greater London or Greater Manchester, your combined authority or local council pays for adult courses. Ask a college or provider that’s funded in your area.
How to get a place
- Contact a local college or adult learning centre, or a provider that offers the course online.
- Tell them you want to study English, maths or digital skills, or your first Level 2 or 3.
- You’ll usually do a short assessment, so they can find the right level for you.
- Show proof of your age and address, and any qualifications they ask about.
The provider checks your eligibility and makes the final decision. Ask them when the next course starts.
Check if you can get a course for free
Whether you can study for free depends on the course you choose and on finding a provider that can fund you. So start with the course:
- Choose a course you're interested in.
- Answer a few quick questions in the "Am I eligible?" check on its page.
- See whether you're likely to be eligible, and which providers offer that course.
Or choose a subject:
- Health & social care courses
- Mental health courses
- Childcare courses
- Business courses
- English, maths & digital courses
The check is a guide, not a promise. The provider makes the final decision.