Pictured: The Higher Education Graduation for Shrewsbury College
The changes, announced by the Department for Education, will allow people to study in smaller sections, known as “modules”, rather than committing to a full degree all at once.
From September 2026, applications will open for the new Lifelong Learning Entitlement funding system, with courses beginning from January 2027.
The reforms are aimed at adults who want to retrain, upskill or return to education later in life, especially those balancing work, childcare and other responsibilities.
Shrewsbury Colleges Group joins a select list of universities and colleges across the West Midlands chosen to deliver the scheme, alongside institutions including Harper Adams University, Telford College and Aston University.
Under the new system, eligible learners will be able to access funding for shorter, flexible courses as well as full qualifications. The government says the changes will help people build qualifications over time and gain skills in areas where employers need workers most, including engineering, computing, health and social care.
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.”
The government says the funding will give learners access to the equivalent of four years of post-18 study, currently worth up to £39,160, which can be used flexibly throughout their working lives.
For Shrewsbury Colleges Group, being chosen for the first phase of the scheme highlights its growing role in delivering flexible education opportunities across the region and supporting people looking to develop new skills at different stages of life.