ENROLMENT for this year's access courses is taking place now at Harrow College in Brookshill, Harrow, and government funding will enable many students to study free of charge.

Places are still available on the Access to Teaching courses, which run in the day and evening, Humanities, Psychology and Information Technology programmes.

Course fees are subject to assessment, but government funding will make some students eligible for a grant of £30 a week, and allow some students to study for free.

Most courses run for one year full time, from September to June, although the Access to Teaching course runs for two years and the Access to Nursing course also caters for a January start. Parent-friendly hours are offered which coincide with Harrow schools' term times.

The access courses are aimed at adults who did not obtain necessary academic qualifications at school, but have relevant life experience and want to progress to degrees or diplomas at university.

Carole Millard, who completed the Access to Teaching course at Harrow College in June 2001, is now about to start her final year at Surrey's Roehampton University and is looking forward to becoming a teacher.

"The Access to Teaching course gave me new confidence and helped me grow as a person because at first I didn't think I'd be able to complete it," she said.

"My advice to new students would be to speak to staff members if you have a problem. They were incredibly supportive and friendly. Also, you are not on your own."

For further information about Access to High Education courses, please contact the Harrow-on-the-Hill campus on 020 8909 6000.