Funding stream · 2025–26

Adult Skills Fund (ASF)

The Adult Skills Fund (ASF) — which replaced the Adult Education Budget — funds education and training for adults aged 19 and over (excluding apprenticeships). In devolved areas the relevant Mayoral Combined Authority or the GLA sets its own rules and rates.

ILR funding model
35
Covers ages
19 and over
Funding split
Fully funded / co-funded
Devolved?
Yes — in MCA/GLA areas

Full funding vs co-funding

Whether a learner is fully funded or co-funded depends on their age, prior attainment, employment status and earnings. Fully funded learners attract 100% of the funding rate; co-funded learners attract a co-funding rate (the provider may charge a fee contribution for the remainder).

  • Legal entitlements: English and maths up to level 2, and a first full level 2 or level 3 for eligible adults
  • Unemployed and low-wage learners can be fully funded for many aims
  • Earnings thresholds determine low-wage eligibility and are updated each year

Devolution

If a learner's home postcode falls within a devolved authority, that authority's adult education rules and rates apply — not the national ASF rules. Use the Devolved Funding Checker to identify the funding body for a postcode.

Tailored and community learning

ASF also covers tailored learning (formerly community learning) which supports wider participation, wellbeing and progression for adults, with more local flexibility over eligibility and fees.

Indicative summary only. Always confirm against the official source documents before making funding or compliance decisions.

Official sources

Need this applied to real numbers?

Use the funding calculator and eligibility checker — or bring your anonymised data into the college workspace.