Fees for adult education courses
The Greater London Authority subsidises the cost of our courses. This means the government pays for most of your course, and your fees cover the rest of the cost.
Adult education fees for 2026-27
Arts, languages, and health and wellbeing courses are £8 an hour for London residents (reduced fees £4 an hour).
Some of our courses are ‘studio’ classes, which are aimed at more advanced learners. They give you access to high-quality tuition, equipment, and studios where you’re free to spend more time developing your expertise with the support of our experienced tutors. Studio classes are £9.50 an hour.
All courses are £9.50 an hour for non-London residents.
Some courses, such as English or maths qualifications – as well as some digital skills courses – are free.
Who can get reduced fees?
You’re entitled to reduced fees if you’re:
- unemployed
- earning less than the London living wage
- aged 65 or over at the start of a course
You’ll need to provide evidence to show you’re eligible when you enrol.
Which benefits do I need to be receiving to qualify for reduced fees?
You’ll need to provide evidence from within the last 3 months of any of the following benefits:
- jobseeker’s allowance
- personal independence payment/disability living allowance
- employment and support allowance (contribution based)
- incapacity benefit (from the 29th week you get it)
- employment and support allowance (income related)
- universal credit
- state pension
- income support
- pension credit
- housing benefit
- carer’s allowance
- attendance allowance
When you can get a refund?
You’ll need to provide evidence from within the last 3 months of any of the following benefits:
- if we cancel a course and you’ve attended less than 20% of it, you’ll get a full refund
- if we cancel a course and you have attended 20% or more of the total course, you will get a partial refund – the refund amount will depend on how much of the course is left
- if you decide you don’t want to do a course and you make a written request at least 14 days before it starts, you will get a full refund minus a £10 administration fee
- if you’re ill and need to leave a course, provide us with a doctor’s certificate confirming you’re too ill to continue, and you’ll get a partial refund (minus a £10 administration fee) – the refund amount will depend on how much of the course is left
- we will not provide a refund if we cancel the course due to unforeseen circumstances
How to apply for a refund
To apply for a refund, phone 020 8314 3300 or email adultlearning@lewisham.gov.uk.