ILEX distance learning....any grants available?

elfieb

I would really like to do ILEX level 3 (first stage legal executive) course.
My local college used to run this course, but now for some reason or another, they are not intending to do it this year.
My only way of doing the course would be by distance learning via the ILEX tutorial college.

If I was to do this course at college, Im pretty sure I would be entitled to a grant (form PTG1) as I am currently unemployed, living at home etc.

Would I still be entitled to this grant if I applied to do the course via distance learning, or are grants only available if you actually "attend" college?

elfieb

Just giving this thread a bump incase anyone can help......

Rang Student Finance England this morning, and talk about getting blood from a stone!!!!!
First person I spoke to explained that I wouldn't be able to recieve any money for distance learning as I am not disabled.
Second person said that I could qualify for a part time course Fee Grant, but wouldn't confirm this, as I would need to fill in an application form, and that won't be printed for 2 weeks!!!
(you would think that this soon to the start of the new academic year, they would have the applications ready to go....)

Still unsure as to whether distance learning qualifies for a Fee Grant????

DaisyDaisy82

Why dont you ring ILEX and ask them?

The tutorial college which runs the distance learning course can be contacted on 01234 844300 or you can ring ILEX itself on 01234 841000

They are changing all the syllabus as from September which is probably why you're finding getting information about the course a bit difficult.

I've been doing the course for the last five years. Its hard work and in order to qualify as a Legal Executive you also need to have five years legal experience in a 'fee earning' capacity.

You can continue on to become a solicitor once you have obtained the qualification, which is what I am doing. But good luck

Taiko

Ok, I can tell you a few things:

1. The PTG1 forms are not issued until nearer the start of the academic year, as a student must have been attending the course for 2 weeks and get their college/uni to confirm the details and intensity of study.

2. Support for distance learning is available for some part time courses.

3. You're not eligible for a fee grant from SFE as it's a Level 3 qualification. Level 3 is not degree level, so you're ineligible.

elfieb

"Do you qualify for the Fee Grant and Course Grant?

To apply for the Fee Grant and Course Grant, both you and your course must be meet certain conditions.
Your part-time course must:

• last at least one year
• lead to a higher education qualification
• not take more than twice as long to complete as the equivalent full-time course

However, you won't qualify for the Fee Grant or Course Grant:

• if you are studying a part-time Initial Teacher Training course (you’ll be treated as a full-time student for student finance purposes)
• for more than one part-time course at a time "

Doesnt mention anything about which level a course is.
I was going to do the same course at college, and was told by the college I would be eligable for my fees to be paid.

Taiko

Schedule 2 of The Student Support Regulations 2009 states that a designated course is:

1. A first degree course.
2. A course for the Diploma of Higher Education.
3. A course for the Higher National Diploma or Higher National Certificate of—
(a) the Business & Technician Education Council; or
(b) the Scottish Qualifications Authority.
4. A course for the Certificate of Higher Education.
5. A course for the initial training of teachers.
6. A course for the further training of youth and community workers.
7. A course in preparation for a professional examination of a standard higher than that of—
(a) examination at advanced level for the General Certificate of Education or the examination at higher level for the Scottish Certificate of Education; or
(b) the examination for the National Certificate or the National Diploma of either of the bodies mentioned in paragraph 3,
not being a course for entry to which a first degree (or equivalent qualification) is normally required.

As a Level 3 is equivalent to GCE A-Levels, you are not eligible.

Source: http://www.opsi.gov.uk/si/si2009/uksi_20091555_en_19#sch2