There is no legal requirement for a local authority education department (or education authority in Scotland) or other organisation to provide financial help to students over the age of 16. However, there is a wide range of help available for students, from local authority/education authorities, as well as from the government (in the form of benefits) and from individual colleges.
For example, if you are an adult (over 16) in England and Wales who does not already have a full Level 2 qualification (ie you do not have five GCSEs at grades A* - C, an NVQ at Level 2 or an equivalent qualification), you may qualify for free tuition and registration on a full Level 2 course.
Find out more about the training and financial support available to 16-19 year-olds who live in Scotland. Information on financial help for Scottish students can also be found here.
Find out more about the financial help available to students in England from the government website Directgov or from the National Union of Students (NUS).