Income related ESA and studying from home

GeraltJones

I'm 19 and I currently claim income related ESA. I've been placed in the work related activity program after having medical issues in order to edge my way into work, however it's become quite apparent that no one wants to employ me, so I'm trying to apply for an A-level course or two with ICS.

Should this affect my claim at all?

mynameistallulah

Distance learning does not affect your eligibility for ESA. Do local colleges not offer anything suitable? You may be able to get a fee reduction/ exemption.

GeraltJones

I've already checked at my local college and I can do A-levels for free, but it's full-time only.

mynameistallulah

In that case, go for it, and good on you for wanting to improve yourself - can never be a bad thing.

Have you looked at an OU Level 1 course as an alternative?

GeraltJones

I haven't, no. But level 1? I'm not too familiar with the levelling system past A-level, so I'm not sure what that is entirely. If you could elaborate I'll surely look into it.

mynameistallulah

Here are some links for you to have a look at:

The Openings courses are designed for those just starting in higher education, and wanting to get an idea of it is right for them. They count towards a degree.

Then you have all the other subjects - if you click on the area you are interested in, you can an idea of what will be expected of you.

http://www3.open.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/index.htm

You have excellent spelling and grammar, which is more than many people leave school with, so you may well be able to skip A Levels altogether.

Funding is a bit unusual for OU, it is not the same as normal universities. More information here:

http://www8.open.ac.uk/study/explained/how-to-apply/financial-support

GeraltJones

I wouldn't say that's a reason to skip A-levels, but thanks anyway. I'll look into that. I was planning to do an A-level in Biology primarily, but was also hoping to study more than one subject. Money's not so much an issue, it was just the possibility of my claim being affected.

Dunroamin

What qualifications do you already have?

There are very few jobs that ask for A levels as their main function is to give access to university study.

BigAunty

Why do you think you are not getting jobs?

Is it your sickness record? Lack experience?

If it's a question of a lack of demonstrable skills and experience then you might find a quality volunteering role or apprenticeship catapults you into employment better than another set of qualifications without any experience. This would still leave you plenty of time to undertake part time distance learning.

GeraltJones

I only have my GCSEs right now. Granted, they're not too bad (An A, one C and the rest Bs, including French and German) but I would like to move into further education and maybe university if it goes well enough. I've already tried apprenticeships and don't seem to be getting any luck. Not sure why I'm not employable to be honest.

Dunroamin

GeraltJones wrote: »

I only have my GCSEs right now. Granted, they're not too bad (An A, one C and the rest Bs, including French and German) but I would like to move into further education and maybe university if it goes well enough. I've already tried apprenticeships and don't seem to be getting any luck. Not sure why I'm not employable to be honest.

If your aim is a degree then you might just as well start it now with the OU (provided they offer the subject areas you want to study) and cut out the cost and time of spending two years studying A levels.