FE providers now have the discretion to provide fully subsidised ESOL courses for those on both active and inactive benefits.

Earlier this year, the government announced that, for 2011-12, people on inactive benefits (that is, not on Jobseeker's Allowance or Employment and Support Allowance, where it is a requirement to be actively seeking work) would have to pay at least half of the cost of their ESOL course, or have it funded by their employer.

However, the government has now given FE providers the discretion to provide fully subsidised ESOL courses for people on both active and inactive benefits, as long as the training is undertaken with the aim of getting into employment.

FE providers may now fully fund courses for ESOL learners, including those on inactive benefits, at their discretion - provided that the course will enable them to enter employment.

Visit our ESOL (Skills for Life) or ESOL for Work web pages for more information about our ESOL qualifications, or to try some of our practice tests.

If you have any queries, please email us at esol@edexcel.com or call us on 0844 576 0031.