How can I study A-Levels as an adult?

[Relentless]

Hey all,

This post will make most sense to people from the UK, I don't belive any other country does A-Levels. Basically, A-Levels are typically done after secondary education (age 16) and are studied from then to age 18.

I did pretty well in my GCSE's, but went off the rails between age 17-18 hence outright failing two of the three A-Levels I was taking and under achieved in the one I passed (Grade C).

I really want to sort this out now, and I am looking for ways in which I can go about it. I've seen that ICS distance learning thing, but apparently they aren't very good if the reviews are anything to go by and to be honest I don't feel like paying £439 a course. I wish to study English Languange and Accountancy and possibly ICT (Though it's likely I could actually just enter myself for the ICT exam and pass now). That would give me 4 A-Levels which would be much more competitive than the one I have now.

I was considering studying the subjects myself (so just buying the textbooks and following the curriculum) then entering myself for the exam privately - but how would this work with regard to Coursework? Is there any way around that?

Is there a way I can still get free education in the UK if I stop working as I am under 25? I think I'd rather not stop working so the first idea in the previous paragraph is preferable. Any way I can do that? Anyone have experience of similar?

 

[Poguesy]

If you want to do distance learning then try the Open University. I know they give course fee grants for first-timers (depending on type of course) and i think up to £250 quid grant for costs etc.

Otherwise, try your local college on adult class. They tend to do evening classes on a part-time basis.

DirectGov website has some information on adult finance.

Also, i'm pretty sure if you don't hold a level 3 qualification you can study your first one for free although our slasher government might have stopped it.

Not too sure about just entering exams privately. Think you'll need some sort of course to do it.

Oh, and if you weren't working then jobseeker's allowance would obviously cover most the fees.

*Poguesy can make constructive posts*