Publicly Funded FE/HE (PF FEHE)

A NEW COMMITMENT TO THE FUNDING OF FURTHER AND HIGHER EDUCATION FOR SERVICE LEAVERS

Just before the 2008 summer recess of Parliament the Government announced a package of cross-government support to Armed Forces personnel, their families and veterans. One of the strands of the Service Personnel Command Paper commits to providing Service Leavers (SL), with access to a first full Level 3 qualification (equivalent to two GCE A levels or vocational equivalent), or a first higher education qualification (a foundation degree or first undergraduate degree or national equivalent) free from tuition fees.

Since the announcement in the Command Paper MOD has consulted with the Department of Innovation, Universities and Skills (DIUS), the Learning and Skills Council (LSC), the devolved administrations in Scotland and Wales, the Enhanced Learning Credits Administration Service (ELCAS), the three Service Directorates of Education, Defence Resettlement staffs and other key players to implement the Government’s commitment and devise an application process similar to the ELC claims process to enable eligible SLs to apply for qualifications starting academic year 2009/2010.

The support is aimed at those SL who will benefit the most and the application system is really no different from the current ELC rules other than the state (MOD and the relevant national education authority in England, Scotland or Wales pay for the tuition fees in full rather than the individual making a contribution towards the cost.

Keep an eye on the ELCAS and single Service learning forces websites. We will post any new information here as the scheme beds in and we monitor take up and evaluate how well it’s working including addressing any anomalies which may arise.

This additional support will go a long way in helping Service leavers achieve their first full Level 3 (or national equivalent) or first higher education qualification. This will help pave the way for return to civilian life or provide assistance at a later stage for those that have left service to achieve a useful nationally recognised qualification which is valued by employers.

Background

This is welcome support to the already significant levels of investment in Service education. This additional assistance is targeted at those who will benefit the most. For example, the support opens the gateway to further education for those who may have joined the armed forces with few or no qualifications and gone on to achieve a Level 2 qualification (GCSE or equivalent) in the Service but progressed no further. The MOD has already committed to what is known as the ‘Leitch’ pledge (following a comprehensive review of the nation’s skills requirements) – the target is that all service personnel will achieve Level 2 within eight years of service or on promotion to Sergeant (or equivalent), whichever is the earlier.

Similarly, for those who may have joined at Level 2 and took the opportunity to gain a qualification such as an advanced apprenticeship or other accredited learning at Level 3 (or equivalent), the door is open for Service Leavers to access their first higher level qualification.

Whilst the commitment provides subsidy for the cost of tuition fees individuals may have to contribute to the non-tuition related costs of learning which may depend on whether the learning is full or part-time, and the level of household income. Some applicants may be able to access means-tested support, as with other members of the public.

Before making an application SL are advised to first check the national position on existing support with the relevant national education authority (e.g. in England DIUS or LSC). There may already be existing ‘free’ provision by another route e.g. those aged 25 years or under are already entitled to a first level 3 in England; free entitlement for all who fulfil the residency requirements on degree/HND level courses in Scotland; Welsh residents also attract some support for FE and HE provision.  It makes sense for SL to explore alternative routes before considering support and access through the ELC ‘top up’ scheme but there are safety measures in place to prevent any possibility of double funding.

KEY POINTS FOR SERVICE LEAVERS TO NOTE ON THE NEW PF FE/HE

Eligibility Rules

In order to take advantage of the support claimants must:

• have completed six years full-time service;
• previously joined the Enhanced Learning Credit (ELC) scheme and completed at least 4 years qualifying scheme membership;
• only apply for a first eligible FE/HE qualification at the level for which they are academically qualified to enter learning on leaving the Service;
• have left the Service or entered their qualifying resettlement phase on or after 17 July 2008;
• meet UK’s residency requirements to qualify for full state subsidy;
• be undertaking at least the equivalent of 50% of a full time course;
• Undertake learning with an approved provider listed on the ELCAS database as a PF FEHE provider and ensure the chosen course also receives funding;

Qualification Level

This commitment will provide access, free from tuition fees, for your:

First Level 3 or national equivalent. This refers to a first full Level 3 i.e. the achievement of two GCE A levels (A2) (passes at A-E) or vocational equivalent as defined by the National Qualifications Framework (NQF) or the Qualifications and Credit Framework (QCF) (England and Wales); or in Scotland a Level 6 qualification (SVQ Level 3 on the Scottish Credit and Qualifications Framework (SCQF).

Or a first foundation degree or first full undergraduate degree or national equivalent. Typically to be eligible for this support, the higher education qualifications would be at levels 4-6 of the Framework for Higher Education and Qualifications in England, Wales and Northern Ireland (FHEQ) eg: a first undergraduate degree (including foundation degree) or Higher National Certificate or Diploma for which the entry qualification is lower than a degree and which normally takes place at a publicly funded institution.

In Scotland the equivalent qualification is a Higher National Certificate (HNC), Higher National Diploma (HND) or a first undergraduate degree, undertaken at a further education college (FE college) or a higher education institution (HEI).

How do I make a claim?

• Firstly read 2009DIN07-042

• Find and talk to your education and resettlement adviser

• Download the PF FEHE claim from the ELC website - only this version can be used. Any other replicated form will be rejected. Click Here

• Check the ELCAS database of approved PF FE/HE providers – Publicly Funded FE/HE providers for the purpose of this support will be highlighted Search Engine for Providers delivering Publicly Funded FE and/or HE qualifications is currently under construction

• If wishing to use a new provider ensure they will be eligible to participate in this scheme (they must deliver Publicly Funded FE/HE) and ask them to apply for scheme membership as per the information on the ELC website. On-line Learning Provider application form currently under construction

• As with the current ELC scheme – try not to leave everything to the last minute. Allow time for any new providers to be accepted onto the scheme. Once accepted you can submit your application. Allow at least eight weeks to go through this process – more if possible. Leaving it too close to the wire may result in your application not being processed in time for the start of your course.

How does an organisation delivering Publicly Funded FE and or HE become an approved ELC learning provider?

• Only UK based providers who deliver Publicly Funded FE and/or HE will be eligible to apply as an approved provider where the tuition fees are met in full by the state.

• A prospective eligible Publicly Funded FE and HE institution must join the ELC scheme as an approved provider.

• Once approved the provider will be able to accept course applications from eligible Service leavers accessing their first full level 3 (or equivalent) or their first HE qualification where the state pays the full cost of the tuition fees. Applications can also be accepted from members of the Armed Forces ELC scheme who are applying under the separate ELC scheme rules and who make a personal contribution towards the cost of the tuition.

• This approved provider process requires meeting certain quality and assurance criteria and agreeing to work within the general ELC administrative rules and those additional procedures developed specifically for the purposes of this new scheme.

• MOD would expect the provider application to join the ELC scheme to be backed by demand from eligible Service leavers.

• The provider application is via an ‘on-line’ functionality and can be achieved fairly quickly. Providers will be verified by the national education authorities in England, Scotland and Wales. Providers who deliver publicly-funded FE and or HE and who do not meet the quality and assurance criteria or who fail to agree to work within the ELC scheme rules will be not be accepted.

• For the purposes of this scheme, where the state pays the tuition fees in full, providers will be expected to waive any initial registration fee to help reduce the level of bureaucracy. Applicants are expressly forbidden to pay any of their own monies towards the cost of their tuition fees.

Please Click Here to view the Learning provider application process flow.

Please Click Here to apply to become an approved provider. On-line Learning Provider application form currently under construction.

Help and Advice for claimants

Before making any enquiries please ensure that you have read 2009DIN07-042 and Main Scheme Features and FAQ.

Non ELCAS queries

• For general enquiries about the scheme, your eligibility and the qualifications you wish to study seek advice from your single Service education and resettlement staff, not ELCAS. The ELCAS role is to administer your claim. ELCAS cannot provide advice and guidance on your eligibility or education or resettlement needs.

Non ELCAS helplines

• RN - FLEET-FOST-TE EL3R RESET SO3C [Mil: 93832 5954 / Civ: 020392 625954]

• Army - LF-DETS(A)-ETS2 [Mil: 94344 8729 / Civ: 01980 618729]

• RAF - 22 Training Group – Learning Forces [Mil: 95221 5957 / Civ: 01494 495957]

ELCAS queries 0845 300 5179 Lines open 09:00 – 17:00 Monday to Friday excluding bank holidays or email us on elcas@gslglobal.com

Please contact ELCAS if:

• You are having trouble downloading your claim form
• You have identified a provider delivering Publicly Funded FE/HE qualifications who would like to apply but need help with the process
• You would like a duplicate scheme acknowledgement form
• You would like some information about the claiming process
• You would like to find out how long it will take to process your claim and how far ahead you need to be completing your claim before your course start date.