Additional Learning Support (ALS)

Additional Learning Support (ALS) funds the extra help an adult learner needs to access and achieve their course — for example specialist equipment, a support worker, or reasonable adjustments. It is separate from the high-needs model used for 16–19 students.

For

Adult (19+) learners

Covers

Access & achievement

Claimed via

ILR cost evidence

Distinct from

16–19 high needs

What it covers

ALS meets the reasonable additional costs of enabling a learner to take part in and complete their learning. Costs must be evidenced and recorded in the ILR to be funded.

Learning support vs high needs

ALS supports adult skills learners. 16–19 students with SEND are instead supported through the high-needs model (element 2 of £6,000 plus element 3 local-authority top-up).

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

Official sources

Adult skills fund: funding rules (learning support) — DfE

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Additional Learning Support (ALS) · FE Funding