Check Your Eligibility

Adult Learner

If you’re considering a career in education or education support, checking your eligibility is the first step.
Aspire Education Academy offers fully funded Level 1, Level 2 and Level 3 Education Support courses designed to help adults start or progress into roles within schools, childcare and support settings.

By confirming your eligibility, we can guide you to the right pathway and support you into training that matches your goals.

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

Our courses are funded through government and regional initiatives. Eligibility depends on a few key factors, including age, residency and your training goals.
We can support you through this process and help identify the most suitable course for your needs.

Key Eligibility Criteria

  • You must be aged 19 or over on the first day of your course.

  • You must be a resident of England. Some courses (like the Level 2 New Year, New Start Course) have region-specific residency requirements (e.g., Lancashire).

  • You must have the right to live and work in the UK without immigration restrictions that prevent funded training.

  • You need to be able to:

    • Attend the course sessions

    • Participate in online or face-to-face learning

    • Complete any assignments or support activities

  • You will need access to a computer or tablet with internet access.
    Mobile phone only access is not suitable for online learning.

Who Can Apply?

Our funded education programmes are designed to support adult learners who want to build confidence, gain recognised qualifications, and progress into roles within schools and education settings.

You may be eligible if you:

  • Are aged 19 or over

  • Live in England

  • Are currently unemployed, self-employed, or earning below the funding threshold

  • Have the right to live and work in the UK

  • Are interested in working in education, childcare, or school support roles

Eligibility criteria can vary depending on the course and funding stream. Completing the form allows us to assess your options accurately.

Why Choose Aspire Education Academy?

Specialists in funded adult education

Specialists in funded adult education

Icon of a laptop with a clock symbol suggesting time or scheduling.
Experienced tutors and learner support teams

Flexible learning designed around adult lifestyles

Clear progression routes into education roles

Experienced tutors and learner support teams

Line drawing of a mountain and a shield with a checkmark, indicating safety or protection.

Clear progression routes
into education roles

Supporting learners across England


Course-Specific Eligibility Notes

Level 1 Adult Education Support Course

This course is suitable for adults who:

  • Are exploring a career in education

  • Are returning to learning after time away

  • Want structured support and confidence building

  • Are considering progression into teaching assistant or school support roles

Learn more

Level 2 Adult Education Support Course

This course is suitable for adults who:

  • Have completed a Level 1 education course

  • Are preparing for work in school support roles

  • Want to deepen safeguarding and behaviour management knowledge

  • Are aiming to progress into Level 3 education or SEN pathways

Learn more

Level 3 Adult Education SEN Adult Course

This course is suitable if you:

  • Want to work in SEN teaching assistant or learning support roles

  • Are progressing from Level 2 education or SEND training

  • Are motivated to develop specialist SEN knowledge

  • Want a fully funded Level 3 qualification delivered online

  • Are preparing for long-term progression within education or SEN pathways

Learn more

How to Check Your Eligibility

You can check your eligibility in just a few steps:

  • Complete the short online eligibility questionnaire.

  • One of our team will review your information.

  • We’ll contact you with confirmation and support for next steps.

  • If needed, we’ll help clarify which course pathway suits you best.

What Happens Next

Once your eligibility is confirmed:

  • We will invite you to complete an enrolment form

  • We will support you with funding documentation (if required)

  • We will help you register for the course that best fits your goals

Support Every Step of the Way

We understand that returning to learning can feel daunting. Our team is here to answer your questions, explain funding clearly, and provide additional support where needed — including adjustments for accessibility or individual learning needs.

Success Stories
Progression and Employment Opportunities

FAQs – Eligibility for Education Support Courses

Below are answers to common questions about eligibility for Aspire’s education support programmes.

  • No. For the Level 1 course, no formal qualifications are required. Level 2 pathways recommend some prior learning or readiness but do not require formal certification.

  • Yes. As long as you can commit to the course timetable and participation requirements, you can apply.

  • Most learning requires online access. If you’re unsure about your internet access, contact our team — we can explore options or support.

  • No. Checking your eligibility and getting advice from the Aspire team is completely free.

  • Our team will help you explore other training options or alternative funding routes if you do not meet eligibility for a specific course.