Adult Skills Funding
Win more ASF contracts than ever before with our industry-leading win rate
We have produced 150+ winning bids, securing over £175m of ASF funding
Horizon scanning
More visibility, more wins
Our Horizon Scan service provides training providers with a clear, forward-looking view of contract opportunities across the education and skills sector. See upcoming contracts, track competitors, and focus only where you can win.
Our insights cut wasted effort, unlock growth markets, and help you expand into new regions, sectors, and funding streams with confidence.
ASF Horizon Scan Dashboard
Next 6 Months: Sep 2025 - Feb 2026 (Illustrative)
Total Pipeline Value
£123.3M
+12% vs previous period
Active Tenders
14
From a pipeline of 48 opportunities
Avg. Competition
6.2 Bids/Lot
High Intensity
LSIP Alignment
78%
Pipeline value in priority areas
Upcoming Opportunities Timeline
"Sweet-Spot" Funnel
Opportunities by Specialism
Buyer Concentration
Deadline Heatmap
Pipeline management
Win more with less effort
Tender Targeting
Planned procurements are matched to strengths, delivery footprint, and objectives, so your effort targets the tenders that you are most likely to win.
Low-fit opportunities are filtered out, focusing resources on high-scoring pursuits and improving hit rates.
Forward visibility of opportunities builds a timed sequence of bids, smoothing your workload and supporting accurate revenue forecasting.
Tender Comms
A dedicated bids inbox across portals (e.g., CCS, Proactis, In-tend, Delta) compiles all your alerts into one stream.
Daily triage filters noise and highlights actions, so your effort is focused on tasks that count.
Opportunity tracking across portals prevents missed notices / late starts.
Less time on inbox management means more time for solution development and client work.
Competitor Analysis & Go/No-Go
Competitor mapping identifies likely bidders, incumbents, price–quality positioning and differentiators.
Early identification of red flags (e.g., capability gaps, TUPE, volumes, pricing pressure) informs pursuit choices.
Evidence-led scoring focuses time and budget on high-probability tenders.
A structured go/no-go decision with objective criteria improves qualification discipline and win rates.
End-to-end bid production
Powerful, evidence-led winning bids
We remove the bid burden from our clients. We handle the entire process, from identifying opportunities through to producing compelling responses, schemes of work, mobilisation/delivery plans, policies, completing financial documents, submission, and even attending interviews.
-
A win strategy is set against the specification, evaluation criteria, and risk controls.
Strengths, differentiators, and proof points are defined to match buyer priorities.
Outcomes, benchmarks and case metrics are selected to demonstrate advantage on quality, mobilisation, social value and price–quality fit.
Claims are stress-tested and converted into evidence-led commitments.
-
Local plans, reports, strategies, LSIPs, and sector reports are used to align your bid with the buyer's priorities.
A logical response structure defines what graphics, tables, and call-outs will be used to compellingly present your response.
Every section is tied to the question, weighting, word limit, and any other requirements. A compliance checklist ensures nothing scored is left unaddressed or under-evidenced.
-
Our unrivalled library of winning answers (sourced via FOI requests), white papers, and industry reports accelerates drafting whilst maintaining originality.
Language mirrors the buyer’s terminology and style. Proof is localised with relevant outcomes and delivery footprints, making your bid specific and credible.
Benefits are quantified and we ensure every word works hard to influence evaluators.
-
We produce professional-quality documents (policies, mobilisation plans, delivery schedules, organisation charts) that reinforce your credibility.
Clean templates, data visuals, and signposted sections improve scoring potential.
-
We complete pricing/financial plans, structuring these for competitiveness without eroding value.
Transparent cost breakdowns and rationale link prices to outputs and KPIs/SLAs. Value for money is evidenced through productivity gains, demand management, and total cost of ownership.
-
Mock scoring replicates panel behaviour; responses receive RAG ratings, gap logs and action owners.
Evidence sufficiency, risks, and assumptions are tested against the scoring criteria.
Pink, red, and gold reviews drive continual improvement until max scores are reached.
-
File names, formats, size limits, signatures, certificates and declarations meet portal rules.
Any use of hyperlinks, cross-references and/or annex lists are validated to remove grounds for disqualification.
A robust bid plan locks milestones and approvals. Contingency windows, dry-run uploads, and final conformance checks secure punctual, complete submissions with receipts captured for proof/audit.
-
Award results and buyer debriefs are captured promptly; strengths, weaknesses and price–quality insights are summarised into immediate actions for live and upcoming competitions.
Re-usable content is archived for future bids. Future bids build on lessons learned reviews.
Experts in your sector
Construction
CITB courses (e.g., SMSTS, SSSTS), CSCS courses, NPORS, entry to construction, electrical installation, plastering, wall and floor tiling, trowel occupations, roofing, formwork, carpentry, cladding occupations, occupational work supervision, construction site supervision, controlling lifting operations.
Health & Social Care
Health and social care, adult care, fundamentals of health care, principles and practice for pharmacy support staff, preparing to work in adult social care, understanding working in the health sector, principles of the prevention and control of infection in health care settings, nutrition & health, end of life care.
Engineering & Manufacturing
Advanced manufacturing, additive manufacturing, automation and robotics, CAM / CNC machining, 3D printing, CAD, engineering foundations, electric/hybrid vehicle systems, engineering operations, fabrication, welding, inspection and quality control, lean manufacturing, green manufacturing, H&S in engineering.
Transport and Logistics
PCV driver training, bus driver training, LGV/HGV driver training, forklift truck (FLT) training, warehousing, supply chain logistics, transport planning and coordination, ADR hazardous goods transport training, driver CPC, transport and warehouse H&S, air freight logistics, maritime logistics, customs compliance.
IT / Digital
Computer programming, data analytics, artificial intelligence (AI), cybersecurity, software development, ICT systems support (1st and 2nd line), digital marketing, gaming, VfX/CGI, cloud computing, UX/UI, blockchain development, data engineering, e-commerce platforms, web development.
Education and Training
Award in Education and Training (AET), Certificate in Assessing Vocational Achievement (CAVA), Teaching Assistant, Level 4 Certificate in Education and Training (CET), Learning and Development Practitioner (L&D), apprenticeship assessor qualifications, SEND support, leadership in education.
Business, Admin, and Law
Principles of business and administration, business and enterprise, team leading, management qualifications, bookkeeping and accountancy (inc. AAT bookkeeping), HR, leadership and management, business law, customer relationship management, finance and budgeting, project management, sales & marketing.
Retail & Commercial Enterprise
Understanding excellence in customer service for hospitality, skills for working in the retail industry, cleaning principles, food preparation and cookery, retail customer service, food hygiene and safety, sales techniques, conflict resolution and de-escalation, retail management, tourism retail, fashion retail.
Leisure, Travel, and Tourism
Travel services (inc. customer care), aviation ground operations, sports coaching, fitness instructing, leisure operations (e.g., leisure centre management), tour guiding, hospitality and tourism management, travel agency operations, sustainable tourism, customer service in tourism.
Arts, Media, and Publishing
Skills for the creative industries (screen and media), creative media production, digital content production, performing arts, AI for screen production, scriptwriting, graphic design, photography, journalism, publishing workflows, music production, animation (2D, 3D, stop-motion), games art and design, creative entrepreneurship.
Agriculture, Horticulture, and Animal Care
Agriculture operations, horticulture (amenity and production), animal care and welfare, environmental conservation, sustainble agriculture, livestock husbandry, pest and disease control in horticulture, agribusiness management, veterinary support, forestry and arboriculture, agricultural technology.
Science and Mathematics
Functional skills mathematics (Entry 1–Level 2), GCSE and A-Level Mathematics, GCSE and A-Level science, numeracy for employment, T-Levels in science, STEM engagement, statistics, engineering maths, environmental science, forensic science, applied physics, health sciences, quantitative research methods..
Social Sciences
Access to HE social science, psychology, sociology, criminology, social research methods, social policy, criminology with social psychology., anthropology, political science, human geography, economics, social work, international relations, education studies, gender studies, development studies.
History, Philosophy, and Theology
Access to HE Diplomas (Humanities and Social Science), philosophy modules, religious studies, history modules, theology, classical studies, archaeology, history of art, philosophy of science, applied ethics, interfaith dialogue and comparative religion, political thought, ancient history, modern world conflicts.
Languages, Literature & Culture
ESOL Skills for life (Entry 1–3), GCSE English literature, modern foreign languages, English language skills for employment, cultural studies, academic English (EAP), IELTS and Cambridge English exam preparation, Functional Skills English (Entry 1-Level 2), creative writing, translation and interpreting skills, cultural studies.
Experts in every region
We win across the country. Unlike our competitors, our bid professionals actively research local labour market information (LMI), combined with 300+ plans, reports, strategies, and wider data sources (including ONS, NOMIS, Indices of Multiple Deprivation) to inform your bids.
50+
Regions we have produced winning bids in
We ensure that your bids do not just meet the requirements of the question; they reflect local ambitions, plans, and objectives.
Through our research, evaluators clearly see the advantages that your offer will bring to the local economy and how it ties with local plans and strategies, helping you to score maximum marks, win more contracts, and grow.
Request a call back
Request a call back to discuss how we can produce winning ASF bids for you, or if you have any other related queries. A call will provide us with the opportunity to discuss your specific needs.
Construction
Entry Level–Level 2 ASF construction courses focus on technical trades (plastering, tiling, roofing, carpentry, electrical) plus H&S and CSCS card preparation. The most frequent is the Level 1 Award in Health and Safety in a Construction Environment, delivered with preparation for the CITB Health, Safety and Environment test and CSCS Green Labourer Card. ASF procurements increasingly specify CSCS testing and card issue as part of delivery, reflecting its role as the gateway licence to practice.
Buyers also call for multi-trade “Construction Skills” pathways at Entry 3–Level 1/2, combining tasters in bricklaying, carpentry, plastering, tiling, painting and decorating, groundworks, and basic electrical and plumbing. Targeted trade awards (L1/2) in bricklaying, plastering, carpentry, and electrical installation are widely procured to create progression into apprenticeships or jobs.
Short “site readiness” components (manual handling, asbestos awareness, working at height) are often included, bundled with CSCS prep. Some ASF procurements fund additional tickets such as plant operator or rail track maintenance.
Construction is a priority/key/growth sector in 37 out of the 38 LSIPs. New work in Great Britain reached £139 billion in 2023, the UK construction workforce stood at 2.23–2.25m in late 2024, and CITB forecasts 251,500 more workers by 2028.
Health and Social Care
Entry Level–Level 2 H&SC ASF offers typically cover core care knowledge and practical induction, including safeguarding, duty of care, infection prevention and control, communication, person-centred support and basic life support, mapped to the Care Certificate standards that define what new care workers should know and do. Common regulated starts include Level 1 “Introduction to Health and Social Care” qualifications from awarding bodies such as NCFE (award/certificate/diploma suites used as foundations for progression to Level 2).
Commissioners frequently ask for provision aligned to Care Certificate content or equivalent induction modules; recent ASF procurements specify knowledge of the 16 Care Certificate standards plus elements such as manual handling, safeguarding, record-keeping and emergency first aid. Short “work-readiness” components remain integral, with moving and handling training a clear employer duty and common requirement in care settings.
H&SC is a priority/key/growth sector in 37 out of the 38 LSIPs. Adult social care employs around 1.6–1.7m people and recorded 131,000 vacancies in 2023/24, while NHS plans highlight workforce growth.
Engineering and Manufacturing
Entry Level–Level 2 engineering and manufacturing ASF provision centres on foundational technical skills. Typical qualifications include EAL Level 1 Engineering and Technology and Level 1/2 Performing Engineering Operations, plus City & Guilds Level 1/2 Engineering (2850). These cover hand fitting, machining and assembly; fabrication and welding; basic electrical/electronics; engineering drawings and maths; CAD and manufacturing; and, increasingly, additive manufacturing. Course handbooks and unit lists from EAL and City & Guilds show these elements in scope.
H&S training is often embedded into ASF skills provision due to statutory duties on training providers and employers. Providers routinely integrate units on safe systems of work, hazard recognition, and the correct use of tools and machinery. The HSE highlights the need for adequate training and competence for anyone using work equipment, and provides specific guidance for engineering workshops on safe machinery use, risk assessment and supervision.
The sector is economically significant. Engineering and Manufacturing is a priority/key/growth sector in 35 out of the 38 LSIPs. UK manufacturing contributed about £217 billion in output and supported around 2.6 million jobs in 2023–24, with engineering and technology roles accounting for roughly one-fifth of the workforce. EngineeringUK also reports that engineering roles make up around a quarter of UK job postings, indicating strong demand for entry pathways.
Transport and Logistics
Entry Level–Level 2 transport and logistics offers typically centre on warehousing, storage and supply-chain basics. Common regulated starts include the NCFE Level 1 Certificate in Warehousing and Storage and City & Guilds Level 2 Certificates in Warehousing/Storage and Warehousing & Storage Principles. Units cover health and safety in the workplace, receiving and placing goods into storage, order picking, packing and labelling, stock checks, returns processing, and effective teamworking.
ASF tenders also frequently require short “work-readiness” modules to be embedded in delivery. Manual handling and site/warehouse safety are integral requirements, and basic forklift operator awareness is often bundled into provision. HSE’s L117 Approved Code of Practice requires accredited training, usually via ABA-recognised bodies such as RTITB, AITT or ITSSAR. ASF provision therefore tends to include introductory forklift or materials handling components alongside warehousing qualifications, to ensure learners meet employer expectations.
Although higher-level professional driver pathways (e.g. HGV) are normally funded through Skills Bootcamps, ASF procurements remain important for building pipelines of warehouse operatives, supply chain assistants, and entry-level logistics staff.
Transport and Logistics is a priority/key/growth sector in around two-thirds of LSIPs. National statistics reinforce this demand: ONS records c.1.9 million jobs in transport and storage, and Logistics UK estimates the sector’s gross value added contribution at c.£185 billion.
IT / Digital
Entry Level - Level 2 ASF digital offers focus on core digital literacy and safe, effective use of technology at work. Provision typically starts with the Essential Digital Skills Qualifications (EDSQ) at Entry 3 and Level 1, and the Digital Functional Skills Qualifications (DFSQ) at Entry 3 and Level 1. These are fully funded for adults under the digital entitlement and map to the national standards for essential digital skills.
At Level 2, Buyers and providers use regulated, work-focused options to build progression. Common examples include the NCFE Level 2 Certificate in Digital Skills for Work, the Gateway Level 2 Certificate in Digital and IT Skills, and the BCS Level 2 ICDL Certificate in IT User Skills. Their specifications cover using and managing information, online safety, communication and collaboration, productivity software, and digital career development.
Short “work-readiness” elements are often built into ASF delivery through the units within these qualifications. Typical content includes keeping yourself and others safe when using digital devices, communicating and collaborating online, and applying digital skills in workplace contexts.
Demand signals remain strong for Digital, with it being a priority/growth sector in 25 LSIPs. Government research finds that around 44% of UK businesses report basic technical cyber security skills gaps, reinforcing the need for baseline digital competencies and safe working practices that are delivered at Entry Level - Level 2.
Education and Training
Entry Level to Level 2 ASF provision in Education and Training prepares adults for support roles in schools and colleges. Common regulated starts include the NCFE CACHE Level 2 Certificate in Supporting Teaching and Learning and the NCFE CACHE Level 2 Award in Support Work in Schools and Colleges; City & Guilds offers equivalent Level 2 awards and certificates.
ASF tenders commonly require safeguarding and induction content that aligns with Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE). Therefore, ASF programmes typically embed safeguarding knowledge and related induction topics as part of work-readiness. Short modules often complement the main qualification to reflect common school policies and duties. Typical examples include data protection and record-keeping, Prevent awareness, and online-safety updates.
LSIPs often acknowledge education workforce capacity needs. For example, West Yorkshire LSIP lists Education among its key sectors, and Kent & Medway LSIP names Education in its five sector priorities, reinforcing demand for classroom support pathways and progression beyond Level 2.
Business, Admin, and Law
Entry Level to Level 2 ASF provision in Business, Administration and Law prepares adults for office support, customer-facing and junior finance roles. Typical regulated starts include the NCFE Level 1 Certificate in Business Administration, and at Level 2, the NCFE Certificate in Principles of Business Administration.
Finance pathways commonly use AAT’s bookkeeping and accounting suites e.g., the AAT Level 1 Award in Bookkeeping and the AAT Level 2 Certificate in Accounting, which build double-entry bookkeeping, ledgers, basic costing and ethics.
Customer service and team leading are typical complements. NCFE’s Level 2 Certificate in Principles of Customer Service and City & Guilds’ customer service diplomas provide units on service delivery, handling information, problem solving and improvement; CMI and ILM offer Level 2 Team Leading awards, certificates and diplomas that cover leading teams, communication and monitoring performance.
The sector features in c. 9 LSIPs, particularly in areas with significant finance or corporate services employment (e.g. city regions and the South East). For example, West Yorkshire lists “Financial and Professional Services” among its key sectors, and Essex similarly identifies “Professional Services” within its priority industries.
Retail & Commercial Enterprise
Entry Level–Level 2 ASF retail and commercial offers centre on customer service, store operations, food safety and cleaning. Typical regulated starts include the NCFE Level 1 Award in Retail Knowledge covering retail roles, selling, stock control and health and safety, with optional units in customer service and the selling process.
At Level 2, the City & Guilds Certificate in Retail Skills provides unitised routes for selling, merchandising and stock control. Training providers commonly pair these with Level 2 customer service knowledge qualifications e.g., the NCFE Level 2 Certificate in Principles of Customer Service, to strengthen front-of-house behaviours and digital or telephone handling.
Where ASF provision spans hospitality-facing roles, commissioners frequently include food hygiene: the Highfield Level 2 Award in Food Safety for Catering is a short, funded option used at scale. Cleaning pathways often draw on the Highfield Level 2 Certificate in Cleaning Principles, which covers safe working, customer interaction and specialist cleaning tasks.
“Work-readiness” modules typically include age-restricted sales training and Challenge 25 practice, reflecting Trading Standards guidance on due diligence, staff training and refusals logs.
Retail and Commercial Enterprise is a priority/growth sector in 12 LSIPs. The House of Commons Library reports retail output of £111.6 billion in 2023 and around 2.7 million jobs, underlining the scale of entry-level employment that ASF provision supports.
Leisure, Travel, and Tourism
Entry Level-Level 2 ASF in leisure, travel and tourism builds practical skills for visitor-facing roles across travel services, hospitality and active leisure. Typical regulated starts include the NCFE Level 2 Certificate in Travel and Tourism, with units on UK industry structure, customer service, destinations and travel agency operations.
Hospitality pathways use City & Guilds Level 2 NVQ Diplomas in areas such as front-of-house reception, housekeeping, food and beverage service, and professional cookery. Short, job-readiness awards are commonly paired with these routes. The Highfield Level 2 Award in Food Safety for Catering is ASF-eligible and widely used to evidence safe food handling, while the Highfield Level 2 Award in HACCP for Catering introduces food safety management principles for kitchens/catering operations.
Active-leisure offers frequently include Level 2 Gym Instructing (Active IQ or YMCA Awards) to prepare entry-level fitness staff. Many pools require the RLSS UK National Pool Lifeguard Qualification (NPLQ) for lifeguard roles.
Leisure, Travel, and Tourism features in 12 LSIPs. Local Skills Improvement Plans show sustained focus on the visitor economy. For example, For example, Cumbria’s plan names the Visitor Economy as a priority sector, and the Liverpool City Region LSIP includes “hospitality and tourism” among its priority sectors. Plans in London, the North West and South East commonly elevate hospitality/tourism for their local economies.
Arts, Media, and Publishing
Entry Level to Level 2 ASF in arts, media and publishing builds practical skills for entry roles across creative content and production. Providers commonly start with Ofqual-regulated Level 1-2 programmes such as Gateway Qualifications’ Level 2 Certificate in Creative Industries and Level 2 Award/Certificate in Digital and Creative Industries, which include units like Preparing to Work in the Digital and Creative Industries, 2D Digital Imaging and 3D Modelling.
City & Guilds’ Level 2 Certificates in Creative Techniques offer portfolio-based pathways in visual communication and craft skills. Specifications confirm assessment by portfolio and unitised options that cover project work, industry awareness, and safe use of equipment.
ASF delivery typically weaves in short job-readiness content relevant to studios and workshops (for example, safe equipment use, teamwork, client briefs and basic production workflows), evidenced within the unit lists for these Level 2 awards and certificates. Where programmes touch digital content, providers often integrate applied tasks in photography, video, audio and graphics that map to qualification units and support progression.
8 LSIPs identify Arts, Media, and Publishing as a priority/growth sector. For example, West Yorkshire’s LSIP names “Creative Industries” alongside Digital and Technology, Engineering and Advanced Manufacturing and others. Essex’s LSIP publishes a dedicated “Creative & Cultural” sector insight and related activity, reflecting local growth and employer engagement.
Agriculture, Horticulture, and Animal Care
Entry Level to Level 2 ASF in Agriculture, Horticulture and Animal Care builds practical, safe working skills for land-based roles. Common regulated starts include City & Guilds Practical Horticulture Skills (Level 1/2, 7573) covering planting, ground preparation, turf care and pruning, and City & Guilds Land-based Studies (Level 1, 0361) with mandatory H&S units across agriculture, horticulture and animal care.
For animal pathways, providers use City & Guilds Level 2 Animal Care (0074) or the Level 2 Technical Certificate in Animal Care (0172), which include animal health and welfare, feeding and accommodation, behaviour and handling, and work experience. Short, job-readiness certificates reflect legal duties and on-farm risks. Typical examples are City & Guilds NPTC Level 2 “PA1” Safe Use of Pesticides and operator training for ATVs and tractors delivered to HSE expectations, often through Lantra. Programmes also embed biosecurity, manual handling for equipment and loads, and record-keeping required in farm and animal settings, drawing on qualification handbooks and HSE guidance.
14 LSIPs highlight Agriculture, Horticulture, and Animal Care as a priority/growth sector. For example, Kent & Medway’s LSIP names “Fresh Food & Food Production” as a priority sector, while Cumbria’s LSIP carries a dedicated stream for land-based and allied sectors.
Science and Mathematics
Entry Level-Level 2 ASF science and mathematics provision builds core numeracy and applied science skills for progression. In mathematics, training providers deliver the legal entitlements: Functional Skills Mathematics from Entry 1-Level 2 and GCSE Mathematics, with “stepping stone” units where appropriate.
In science, common regulated starts include Gateway Qualifications’ Level 2 Applied Science and Technology (Award/Certificate/Diploma). Coverage includes applied biology, chemistry, physics and electronics, with options such as Environmental Science, Science in Medicine, and Using Mathematical Tools in Science and Technology. This helps to underpin progression to Level 3 or technician routes.
GCSE Combined Science is also used for adult returners, where appropriate. ASF programmes typically embed “work-readiness” for lab and workshop contexts. This includes safe handling of chemicals and risk assessment aligned to employer duties under the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations, alongside data handling and measurement skills mapped within mathematics and science units.
Around 10 LSIPs mention science-based industries (usually Life Sciences or biotech). For example, the Liverpool City Region LSIP names “health and life sciences” as a key growth sector.
Social Sciences
Entry Level-Level 2 ASF social sciences provision builds core study skills and subject foundations for progression. Common regulated ASF starts include OCN London’s Level 2 Certificate/Extended Certificate in Skills for Further Study in Humanities and Social Science, which develops critical thinking, referencing, communication, and options spanning sociology, psychology and law. Modules include Referencing Skills, Skills for Effective Learning, Critical Thinking, and Understanding Law and Order.
Many training providers also use Ascentis Level 2 Certificate in Psychology and Ascentis Level 2 Certificate in Introduction to Principles of Criminology; both are on the ESFA’s qualification funding list to 31st July 2026 (via local flexibilities). These awards introduce key concepts and methods that support progression to Level 3.
ASF programmes typically embed “work-readiness” through assessed tasks and portfolios that mirror academic and workplace practices. Examples include structured research and referencing, presentations, and evidence-based writing, as set out in the OCN London Level 2 specifications. For adult returners, these Level 2 routes are often designed to bridge into Access to Higher Education Diplomas in social sciences.
Social-science provision is often positioned as an enabling academic pathway, rather than a standalone priority sector, because it develops transferable capabilities that underpin multiple LSIP-priority industries.
History, Philosophy & Theology
Entry Level-Level 2 ASF in History, Philosophy and Theology builds study skills and subject awareness for progression. Training providers use Ofqual-regulated humanities pathways such as OCN London’s Level 2 Certificate/Extended Certificate in Skills for Further Study in Humanities and Social Science, which include units in critical thinking, referencing, effective learning and presentation, with optional content spanning history, philosophy, religion and ethics.
ASF delivery also uses GCSEs at Level 2, where appropriate. GCSE History and GCSE Religious Studies are approved for adult funding under legal entitlement and local flexibilities to 31st July 2026, building skills in source analysis and interpretation as well as thematic, period, and British depth studies. Work-readiness is embedded through tasks that mirror academic and workplace practice e.g., structured research, accurate referencing and oral presentation.
History, Philosophy, and Theology often functions as enabling provision that supports progression, rather than an industry classification in its own right, because it develops transferrable capabilities that employers value across LSIP-priority sectors.
Languages, Literature & Culture
Entry Level-Level 2 ASF provision in Languages, Literature & Culture focuses on English and English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) as core entitlements and locally funded qualifications. Eligible adults are fully-funded for Functional Skills English from Entry 1-Level 2, GCSE English language, and approved “stepping stone” English units under the statutory legal entitlement. Training providers then use local flexibility to deliver other regulated aims at Level 2 and below.
ESOL Skills for Life awards and certificates at Entry 1-Level 2 are widely used. For example, City & Guilds’ regulated suite covers single-mode awards in Reading, Writing, and Speaking & Listening and a full-mode certificate combining all three, aimed at communication for work, further learning and everyday life. These ESOL qualifications are approved for public funding to 31st July 2026 and can be delivered through ASF local flexibilities.
Typical ASF curriculum content across this SSA builds speaking, listening, reading and writing for real-world contexts, aligned to national Functional Skills subject content at Entry and Levels 1–2 and to ESOL specifications. Where learners also need baseline digital capability, programmes signpost or integrate the statutory digital entitlement at Entry/Level 1 through Essential Digital Skills or Digital Functional Skills.
In LSIPs, Languages, Literature & Culture is rarely framed as a standalone priority sector; instead, English and ESOL feature as cross-cutting support enabling access to priority industries.
Funding opportunities
London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham - Adult Learning Services (£1.75m). Closing date: 23/09/2025 - LIVE NOW
Hammersmith and Fulham Adult Learning and Skills (HFALS) is subcontracting ASF funding from the GLA across the following key areas:
Lot 1: Digital Skills
Lot 2: Construction, Retrofit, and Green Skills
Lot 3: Health and Social Care
Lot 4: Creative Industries
Lot 5: STEM3 (Science Technology, Engineering, Maths, Medicine, and Creative Media)
Lot 6: Employability Skills
Lot 7: Hospitality and Retail
Each Lot is worth £250,285 and 2-4 providers will be awarded per Lot.
Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) - Occupational, Sectoral & Higher Adult Skills. ITT docs issued: ~24/10/2025 - EXPECTED SOON
GMCA are seeking to commission a range of targeted employment related skills offers, that supports GM’s key priority and foundational sectors, although not limited to these. The commissioning will build on a review of previous and existing occupational and sectoral delivery models, providing the flexibility to address the specific needs of both employers and residents.
Commissioned delivery will focus on supporting GM residents into relevant occupational areas and support in-work progression targeted at improving skills levels for the workforce.
London Borough of Merton - ASF (2 streams): Adult Skills Core and the Tailored Learning Courses (£4.15m). ITT docs issued: ~30/11/2025 - EXPECTED SOON
This service will deliver a comprehensive set of Adult Learning programmes based in Merton, prioritising the residents of Merton. Funded under the Adult Skills Funds from the GLA and ESFA, the fund is made up of two Funding Streams:
Adult Skills Core programmes: skills-based funding and are for accredited and qualification courses.
Tailored Learning courses: caters for learners on non-accredited learning and provides for learners making their first steps, including confidence and wellbeing courses.
The curriculum is broad and includes cross cutting skills like green skills, sustainability courses, digital, Health and Social Care, Essential Skills including English, Maths and ESOL, Art Courses, Drawing Painting, Pottery, Performing Arts, Singing, Sewing and clothes making, Italics, Guitar Making, Child Care, CV writing, Confidence Building and Wellbeing courses and Level 3 Courses in Accounts under the Adult Skills Free Courses for Jobs (FCfJ).
Gateshead Council - Pseudo-DPS for the subcontracting of ESFA funded training provision. Closing date: 02/07/2026 - LIVE NOW
Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority (CPCA) - Cambridgeshire Skills Approved Provider List (AEB) (£1.2m).
Closing date: 31/08/2026 - LIVE NOWSheffield City Council - Adult Learning and Skills Activities in Community Settings DPS (£2.46m). Closing date: 31/07/2027 - LIVE NOW
South Tyneside Council - Post 16 Education and Training DPS August 2024. Closing date: 31/07/2027 - LIVE NOW
West Yorkshire Combined Authority (WYCA) - Education Training Providers for Adult Education (£100m). Closing date: 30/08/2028 - LIVE NOW
Worcestershire County Council - DPS for Skills and Investment Grant Funding (£25m). Closing date: 30/09/2028 - LIVE NOW
Crown Commercial Service (CCS) - Adult Skills and Learning DPS (£1bn), inc. AEB/ASF Funding. Closing date: 27/10/2028 - LIVE NOW
Warwickshire County Council - Employability and Skills DPS (£60m). Closing Date: 23/02/2029 - LIVE NOW
North Yorkshire Council - Approved Provider List for the Provision of Training and Learning, Apprenticeships and Exam Centres (£48.2m).
Closing date: 31/03/2029 - LIVE NOW
Funding awards (tendered)
South Hampshire College Group (SHCG) ASF Subcontract Opportunity (£624k) -Awaiting result.
Worcestershire County Council - Study Programme & Traineeships DPS - Awaiting result.
Middlesbrough College - CA16059 - ASF Subcontracted Learning Provision - Tees Valley (£140k) - Awaiting result.
Devon County Council (DCC) - ASF & FCfJ (£1.15m) - Awaiting result.
Sandwell MBC - SAFL Tailored Learning 2025/2026 - Awaiting result.
York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority (YNYCA) - ASF and FCfJ - Awaiting result.
East Midlands County Combined Authority (EMCCA) - ASF and FCfJ Provision (£7.71m) - Awaiting result.
Cornwall Council - Adult Skills and Skills Bootcamps DPS (£16m) - Awaiting result.
Kent County Council (KCC) - Skills Programme DPS inc. ASF Funding - Awaiting result.
Lincolnshire County Council - Adult Skills and Family Learning Framework, inc. ASF Funding (£3.5m) - Awaiting result.
Solihull College - ASF Subcontract Delivery in/around Stratford -upon-Avon (£150k-£200k) - Awaiting result.
London Borough of Merton - Adult Learning Services in Merton - Awaiting result.
Cambridgeshire City Council GCP Skills & Apprenticeship Service 2025 - Awaiting result.
Cornwall Council - Young Persons Transitions (£3.64m) - Awaiting result.
Bolton Council - ROUND 2 - TC020 - Alternative Provision (Education) Flexible Purchasing System (FPS) - Awaiting result.
North Ayrshire Council - Employability Service Delivery Framework Reissue (£2.94m) - Awaiting result.
South Hampshire College Group - ASF Subcontract (£825k) - Awaiting result.
Bury Council - FPS for Educational & Vocational Training Programs to 16-18-year-olds - Awaiting result.
East Ayrshire Council - Re-Opening of EALEP Trusted Partner Framework (£10.5m) - Awaiting result.
Wiltshire Council - A DfE Registered Alternative Provision at The Northwood Centre (£15m) - Awaiting result.
East Durham College - Adult Skills Course Delivery (£450k) - Awaiting result.
Workers Educational Association - GMCA AEB 2024/2025 (£624k) - Awaiting result.
Loughborough College - ASF (£200k) - Awaiting result.
Westminster Adult Education Service (WAES) - P148 Distance Learning Subcontracted provision (£1.2m) - Awaiting result.
Cheshire West and Chester Council - Adult Education DPS - Awaiting result.
Kent County Council (KCC) - Supply of Education Services (£500m) - Awaiting result.
South Ayrshire Local Employability Partnership (SALEP) - Trusted Partner Flexible Framework Agreement - Awaiting result.
Nottingham College - ESFA 16-19 Study Programmes (£217k for Lot 1, £258k for Lot 2) - Awaiting result.
The City of Liverpool College - Non-Devolved ASF (Subcontracting) EFSA (£150k) - Awaiting result.
Capital City College Group - 2024/25 Subcontract Delivery of Free Courses for Jobs (£700k) - Awaiting result.
Bridgwater and Taunton College - ASF Funding - Awaiting result.
Heart of Yorkshire Education Group - ASF Provision - Awaiting result.
Gloucestershire County Council - Framework agreement for Adult Education: Community and Adult Skills Programme 2024-2026
- Awaiting result.Chelmsford College - ASF Subcontracting Tender (£225k) - Awaiting result.
Sunderland City Council - ASF Subcontract Delivery - Awaiting result.
Hereford Council - Adult and Community Learning Framework - Awaiting result.
Solihull College - ASF Subcontract Delivery for Construction Skills (c.£6m) - Awaiting result.
The Princes Trust - CA14011 - Framework Agreement for the Employability Programmes in Health and Social Care Sector - Awaiting result.
Cambridge Regional College - Delivery of Subcontractor ASF (£1.39m) - Awaiting result.
New College Swindon - ASF Subcontract (£1.12m) - Awaiting result.
Cheshire East Borough Council - Adult and Community Learning 2024-25 (£900k) - Awaiting result.
Buckinghamshire Council - Adult Learning (£50k) - Awaiting result.
Nottinghamshire County Council - Community Learning Framework (£500k) - Awaiting result.
Cornwall College - AEB Subcontract (£502k) - Awaiting result.
Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council (BCP) - ESFA Provision for Adults (£2.4m) - Awaiting result.
Inspire Education Group - AEB Subcontracting (£3.25m) - Awaiting result.
South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA) - ASF Pseudo Framework & Year 1 Call-Off (£40m) - Awaiting result.
North of Tyne Combined Authority (NTCA, now part of NECA) - Devolved AEB (Lots 1 and 2) (£18m) - Awaiting result.
National College Group (NCG) - Education Services DPS (£96m) - Awaiting result.
Westmorland and Furness Council - Provision of Adult Learning Services (£350k) - Awaiting result.
Suffolk County Council - Adult and Community Learning Services - Awaiting result.
Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) - Wave 3 Skills Bootcamps: Construction and Green Skills. £1.5m - 5 awards. Contract length & start date: 6.5 months (17/09/2022).
Sunderland City Council - Family, Adult, and Community Learning (£150k) - Awaiting result.
Liverpool City Region Combined Authority (LCRCA) - AEB 2022-2027 (£70m) - 16 awards. Contract length & start date: 5 years (01/08/2022).
West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) - AEB Services Contract 1 (£8.96m) - 16 awards. Contract length & start date: 1 year (01/08/2022).
North Hertfordshire College - AEB Subcontracting (non-devolved) (£1m) - 1 award. Contract length & start date: 1 year (01/08/2022).
Cambridgeshire County Council - AEB - Subcontracting (£400k) - 11 awards. Contract length & start date: 1 year (01/08/2022)
London Borough of Merton - Adult Learning Services in Merton (£1m) - 11 awards. Contract length & start date: 4 years (01/08/2022).
Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) - Provision of Digital Skills Bootcamps - Employers (£1.5m) - 2 awards. Contract length & start date: 2 years 8.5 months (12/07/2022).
London Borough of Merton - Merton Adult Learning Main Delivery (£4.3m) - 1 award. Contract length & start date: 4 years (01/07/2022).
London Borough of Hackney - Adult and Community Learning Framework (£2m) - Contract length & start date: 4 years (20/06/2022).
West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) - AEB Service Contract 2 (£1.16m) - 5 awards. Contract length & start date: 15 months (20/06/2022)
Newcastle College - NCG220203MC - AEB (£200k) - 1 award. Contract length & start date: 3 months (04/05/2022).
South Tyneside Council - Call off from Post 16 DPS - ESFA Funded AEB (£137.5k) - 3 awards. Contract length & start date: 5 months (01/04/2022).
Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority (CPCA) - Level 2 Provision (£200k) - 1 award. Contract length & start date: 1 year (24/03/2022).
Capital City College Group - CA9323 - Access to Non-Devolved AEB (£400k) - 2 awards. Contract length & start date: 8 months (08/12/2021).
West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) - AEB Digital Bootcamps (£21m) - 10 awards. Contract length & start date: 3 years (23/10/2021).
Sheffield City Council - Adult Learning in Community Settings (£540k) - 12 awards. Contract start date: 13/10/2021
West Yorkshire Combined Authority - Lot 1: Bradford - WYCA AEB Mini Competition (£342k) - 11 awards. Contract length & start date: 11 months (31/08/2021).
DfE - AEB Procurement Contracts for Services 2021/22 (£157m) - 88 awards. Contract length & start date: 1 year (01/08/2021).
Nescot AEB (Age 19+) - Education & Training (Non Devolved Areas) (£378k) - 1 awards. Contract length & start date: 1 year (01/08/2021).
Solihull College & University Centre - AEB Subcontract for Construction Skills Training (£3.36m) - 1 award. Length & start date: 1 year (01/08/2021).
Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority (CPCA) - Level 2 and Level 3 Provision (£275k) - 1 award. Contract length & start date: 1 year (01/07/2021).
Buckinghamshire Council - Adult Learning - Approved Provider List (£747k) - 11 awards. Contract length & start date: 3 years (01/08/2021).
North Tyneside Council - AEB Lot 3 Mini Comp - January 2021 (£346k) - 4 awards. Contract length & start date: 5 months (10/03/2021).
Peterborough College - Subcontracting Arrangements (£5.17m). Contract start date: 22/02/2021.
DfE - Traineeships Reforms and Expansion Programme (£65.36m) - 83 awards. Contract length & start date: 2.5 years (01/02/2021).
Nottingham College - AEB 2021 (£3.1m) - 4 awards. Contract length & start date: 6.5 months (17/01/2022).
West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) - SWAP Consortium (£9m) - 1 award. Contract length & start date: 3 years (03/10/2021).
West Lancashire College - NCG201007MC - AEB (£2m) - 2 awards. Contract length & start date: 8 months (01/12/2020).
Croydon College - Subcontract for AEB in Non-Devolved Areas (£250k) - 1 award . Contract length & start date: 8.5 months (12/11/2020).
Carlisle College - NCG201001MC - AEB Training Programmes (£250k) - 3 awards. Contract length & start date: 9 months (09/11/2020).
North Tyneside Council - Framework Agreement for AEB Procured Provision (£6m) - 41 awards. Contract length & start date: 3 years (01/08/2020).
Chesterfield College - Adult Education Training Programmes (£400k) - 1 award. Contract length & start date: 1 year 11 months (02/09/2019).
Greater London Authority (GLA) - AEB (£130m) - 29 awards. Contract length & start date: 4 years (01/08/2019).
The Education and Training Foundation (ETF) - Essential Digital Skills Workforce Development Programme (£200k) - 1 award. Contract length & start date: 8 months (24/07/2019).
Newcastle College - NCG190402MC - AEB Wind Industry (£200k) - 1 award. Contract length & start date: 3 months (22/04/2019).
National College Group (NCG) - NCG190314MC - AEB Care Sector Training Programmes (£240k) - 1 award. Contract length & start date: 4 months (02/04/2019).
Cambridgeshire District Councils - CPCA AEB 2019-22 (£1.95m) - 5 awards. Contract length & start date: 3 years 4 months (24/03/2019).
DfE - AEB 2023/24 Procurement Contracts for Services (£740.7m) - 54 awards. Contract length & start date: 12 months (with option to extend by up to 3x 12 month periods) (01/08/2023).
Cambridge Regional College - Delivery of Subcontractor AEB - ESFA Non-Devolved Areas 2023-2024 (£1.1m) - 2 awards. Contract length & start date: 1 year (01/08/2023).
New College Swindon - Sub-contract delivery of Adult Education Budget (AEB) Programmes (£1.04m) - 3 awards. Contract length & start date: 1 year (01/08/2023).
Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) - Devolved AEB - Academic Year 23/24 (£21.42m) - 20 awards. Contract length & start date: 1 year (2023/24 academic year).
Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) - Adult Skills Level 3 Targeted Offer (£4.92m) - 10 awards. Contract length & start date: 10 months (September 2023).