From September 2026, people across Crewe and Nantwich will be able to access student finance for shorter, flexible, bite-sized courses, as well as traditional university degrees, for the first time in history.

Labour has confirmed the first 130 universities and colleges, including Cheshire College - South & West, approved to offer the new smaller courses through the system, which people will be able to apply for this September.

The change is part of the Lifelong Learning Entitlement, set out in Labour's Post-16 Education and Skills White Paper last year, with people now able to see the universities and colleges across the country where they will be able to use the new funding system.

Traditionally, higher and further education has been built around full-time degrees and qualifications taken straight after school or college.

But, that doesn't work for many people in Crewe and Nantwich who need to fit study around life commitments, or want to return to learning later down the line to upskill.

The funding of these new smaller courses mean people can gain qualifications over time, rather than needing to complete a rigid three-year full-time degree in one go, which previously locked thousands of people out of learning.

Crewe's Cheshire College - South & West has been approved to offer the new smaller courses through the system, which people will be able to apply for this September (Photo: Cheshire College).

The modules on offer will focus on subjects will tackling skills shortages, including economics and computing, engineering and architecture, as well as health and social care.

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MP for Crewe & Nantwich, Connor Naismith MP, said: "Labour's changes to higher education will make a huge difference to people in Crewe and Nantwich who are thinking about a return to education but have other commitments to balance.

"People who are looking to retrain may have a family at home or other financial pressures which mean a typical 3-year graduate course just isn't suitable for their lifestyle.

"Labour is supporting working people across Crewe and Nantwich, through opportunities to develop new skills without compromising on their job or home lives."

Applications for student finance will open in September 2026, for anyone starting courses or the new modules from January 2027.

Under the new system, people will be able to access funding equivalent to four years of post-18 study, currently worth up to £39,160.

This money can be used flexibly across the new modules, shorter courses or full degrees over the course of their working lives.

Eligible students will also be able to apply for maintenance support to help with living costs and funding will be provided in smaller amounts linked to the size of the course being studied, rather than only through full academic years.

People who already have a degree may still be able to access the new funding, either if they have remaining student finance available in their pot or want to retrain in certain priority subject areas.

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