Education

Standard Learning Credits (SLCs)

All Service personnel are entitled to claim back 80% of academic course costs back up to a limit of £ 175 in any financial year.SLCs can be used to claim back the costs of private language lessons. There are 3 steps:

  1. Notify intention to study.
  2. Pay for and attend course.
  3. Claim costs back, submitting evidence.

Enhanced Learning Credits (ELCs)

Personnel who originally signed up for ELCs may apply for 3 annual payments of up to £1000 towards the costs of courses. For most people, if still serving on 1 April 2008, the amount will double to a limit of £2000 per claim. ELCs may only be used to claim for accredited courses at NVQ level 3 (GCE A level or equivalent) or above. ELCs remain valid for 10 years after leaving the Services. Personnel need authority to attend courses, run by approved \providers, prior to starting the course.

University Short Course Programme

3-5 days courses held in the UK at various Universities. Applications made through the Education Office. Courses count as duty, subject to budgetary approval, costs of flights back to the UK and travel within the UK is at public expense.

Tri Service Colloquial Exam (SLP1 and SLP2)

This is a three part exam (speaking, listening and reading), broadly similar in level to a GCSE but with a military emphasis and vocabulary. The examination is conducted by the Education Centre. Successful candidates gain a military qualification and a Language Payment Award (currently approx £143).

Defence Learning Portal/DELC/DBLearning

A wide variety of on-line learning can be undertaken, usually at home and includes the widely recognised European Computer Driving Licence (ECDL). Ability to sit the end-of-module examinations in the Education Centre is currently pending modernisation of the computer suite and Internet connection.

Maths / English IGCSE Examination

Dependent upon the level of interest and the ability of students it might be possible to arrange for Maths/English IGCSE tuition, depended on the availability of tutors. The focus is for Service personnel who need the qualifications for professional advancement. In addition, the Education Centre is an authorised examination centre for a wide range of exam boards, if tutors are not available, individuals wish to pursue correspondence course with e.g. NEC.

Open University (OU)

Basic advice can be given about Open University courses. The Education Centre is a recognised OU Exam centre. Service personnel are able to claim a refund of OU Summer School fees if it is an essential element of the course. Course fees can be claimed back using SLCs or ELCs.

Non-OU Residential Degree Courses

Personnel may claim back some accommodation and subsistence expenses if it is an essential part of the course.