Frequently asked questions

Lift College is a UK online distance learning provider. We offer regulated qualifications from Ofqual-regulated UK awarding organisations, with a named UK tutor, flexible pacing and a single subscription that covers everything.

Yes. Our qualifications are awarded by established UK awarding bodies and sit on the UK Regulated Qualifications Framework (RQF). Completed qualifications are recognised by UK universities, UCAS and employers in the same way as study at any other provider.

Adult learners, career changers, parents returning to work, home-educating families and anyone who needs a flexible, fully-online route to a recognised qualification. There are no entry exams for most courses.

You study at your own pace through our online platform. Each course is broken into modules with reading, activities and assignments. You can study in short bursts (15 minutes a day) or longer blocks, whatever fits your life.

Yes. Every learner is assigned a named UK-based subject tutor. They mark your assignments, give feedback within 5 working days and answer questions by message or scheduled call.

It depends on the qualification. A GCSE typically takes 6-12 months, an A Level 9-18 months, an Access to HE Diploma 9-18 months, and regulated Level 5 or 7 leadership diplomas around 6-12 months. You can go faster or slower.

A laptop, tablet or smartphone and a reliable internet connection. Everything else, course materials, assignments, tutor support, is on the platform.

Monthly is an ongoing subscription billed each month, so you pay only for the months you study. Annual is an ongoing yearly subscription that is roughly 15% cheaper than paying monthly for 12 months. Both plans are cancel-anytime with no exit fees.

Every qualification is available on three tiers. Study covers tuition, materials and marking. Study + Exams adds awarding-body registration and one exam entry per subject. Study + CPAC (£119.99 / month, A-level Biology, Chemistry and Physics only) adds the CPAC practical endorsement.

On Study Monthly, no. On Study + Exams and Study + CPAC Monthly we quote a 9-month expected term because those tiers include awarding-body fees. Cancel anytime, no settlement charge, but any unused exam credit is forfeited on cancellation. On Annual, no minimum-term rule applies. See our [funding page](/funding) for the detail.

On Study + Exams, part of every payment builds an exam credit shown on your dashboard. Once the credit covers your awarding-body entry fee, you can book. Resits and additional entries are charged at cost. See the [funding page](/funding) for detail.

The Common Practical Assessment Criteria is the practical-skills endorsement for A-level Biology, Chemistry and Physics. Study + CPAC is a flat £119.99 / month and bundles tuition, exams and the practical endorsement into a single monthly price.

If you change your mind within 14 days of subscribing, you can request a full refund of your first payment, provided you have not submitted work for marking or been registered with an awarding body. Contact us to request it.

Yes. Pause from your dashboard: billing stops, your access is suspended, and your progress is kept. Restart whenever you are ready. Any exam credit you have built up stays on your account.

Yes, subject to a few reasonable checks. See our [Price Beat Promise](/price-beat-promise) for the rules.

See our [comparison page](/compare) for a side-by-side look at contract length, credit checks, awarding-body fees and refund windows.

Yes. Access to HE Diplomas, A Levels and GCSEs from Lift College are accepted by UK universities through UCAS. An Access to HE Diploma typically attracts 45 UCAS Tariff points (Distinction) and is designed specifically for university entry.

No GCSEs are required for most of our Access to HE Diplomas or A Levels. We assess readiness at enrolment and our advisers will recommend the right starting point.

You apply through UCAS in the same way as any college student. Lift College issues your predicted grades and reference. Read our full UCAS points guide.

Yes. Many families use our GCSEs, IGCSEs and A Levels alongside home education. The platform tracks progress, the tutor marks all assignments and the qualification is awarded by the same awarding bodies used by schools.

Most qualifications are designed for ages 14 and above. We can advise on the right starting point, please request a callback.

Yes. Parents (or guardians) can be added to the account with a progress view. Tutor feedback and grades are visible from the dashboard.

Message your named tutor directly from the platform. For account or technical questions, request a callback or email support, we reply within one working day.

Yes. We make reasonable adjustments for dyslexia, ADHD, autism, visual or hearing impairments and other needs. Tell us at enrolment so we can plan around you.