Adult Skills Fund

The Adult Skills Fund (ASF) provides funding for education and training for adults aged 19 and over. It was previously known as the Adult Education Budget (AEB).

If you want to access the education and training, view how to apply.

The types of learning available

Qualifications and courses funded through the ASF include:

  • English and maths (including GCSEs and functional skills)
  • digital skills (for example basic computer and online skills)
  • ESOL courses (for people whose first language is not English)
  • Level 2 and Level 3 qualifications
  • Free Courses for Jobs (FCFJ) qualifications
  • work-related training for specific sectors
  • work placements
  • tailored learning, including:
    • confidence building
    • preparation for work
    • family learning
    • wellbeing
    • community learning

Who offers the learning

In Buckinghamshire, these courses are offered by a range of providers, including:

  • Buckinghamshire Council
  • further education colleges
  • independent training organisations

We work with providers to help ensure residents can access high-quality learning opportunities that support skills development and employment.

Our role in the Adult Skills Fund

We became responsible for the Adult Skills Fund from the 2026 to 2027 academic year.

Before devolution, the Adult Skills Fund was funded and managed by the Department for Education (DfE) through the Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA).

Learning providers

The providers that offer Adult Skills Fund learning and training on our behalf are:

Our stategic plans

View our strategic planning documents:

Policies and documents for learning providers

If you receive ASF or FCFJ funding from us, you must follow these guidance documents.

Documents from the DfE and DWP:

Our frameworks, policies and guidance:

We'll add the Privacy Notice for ASF shortly.

Funding for learning outside of Buckinghamshire

A limited amount of discretionary funding may be available to support eligible Buckinghamshire residents to access learning with providers outside the county where no suitable and accessible local provision is available.

Applications are assessed individually in line with the our Out of County Learning Policy and are subject to:

  • eligibility
  • provider assurance requirements
  • value for money
  • available funding

Download the documents for Out of County learning:

If you have any questions

Email: [email protected]