Free AAT Level 1 Bookkeeping Course in Croydon. Classes run at CALAT Thornton Heath Centre, part-time during the day. The course runs for 11 weeks. No prior knowledge or qualifications are needed. You'll learn the basics of bookkeeping, including assets, liabilities, income, expenses, and the difference between cash and credit transactions. These are the foundations employers look for in accounts and finance roles. The course is free for eligible learners aged 19 or over who are permanent residents of a London Borough.
Who this course is for
The skills developed by studying this qualification will develop an understanding of the role of the bookkeeper, including the need to produce timely and accurate work and follow ethical principles. Students will learn how to identify assets, liabilities, income, expenses, capital profit and loss, and the differences between trading for cash or trading on credit. The skills developed will give students a solid base from which to seek employment with greater confidence or enable them to progress to the next level of learning. Students will also learn the role that software can have in bookkeeping. It is also suitable for those who are already employed in bookkeeping roles, those wishing to develop their skills and small business owners who want to do their own books. To be considered for a place on an upcoming course you will need to pass the entry assessments and attend an information & Assessment session to be held at 10am at our Strand House centre on the following date (s): Thursday 23rd July 2026 Please visit our CALAT website for further details regarding how to book an information & Assessment session. Accredited courses are free to those in receipt of certain benefits (dependent also on household income). Please note that due to our funding criteria we can only enrol eligible learners over the age of 19 at the start of the academic year who are permanent residents of a London Borough. If you have any further enquiries - please call 020 8726 6000 ext. 28231 or email [email protected].
Entry requirements
No prior knowledge, qualifications or skills required. You will be asked to complete all paperwork necessary for CALAT to claim government funding which subsidises the cost of the course. Please note that due to our funding criteria we can only enrol eligible learners over the age of 19 at the start of the academic year who are permanent residents of a London Borough.
What you will learn
You'll identify assets, liabilities, income, and expenses in financial records.
You'll understand the difference between cash transactions and credit transactions.
You'll learn how profit, loss, and capital fit into basic bookkeeping.
You'll apply ethical principles to bookkeeping work, including accuracy and timeliness.
You'll understand the role of a bookkeeper within a business.
How you will learn
You'll study in a classroom at CALAT Thornton Heath Centre. Learning is delivered through taught sessions covering bookkeeping principles and practical exercises. Assessment is through a written examination set by AAT. You'll need to pass the exam to earn your qualification.
What you will need to bring
The centre will provide most materials. CALAT Thornton Heath Centre will confirm anything else you need before you start.
Where next
Jobs you could do
Accounts assistant, supporting day-to-day financial admin in an office.
Bookkeeper, recording income and expenses for a small business.
Finance administrator, handling invoices, payments, and basic records.
Payroll assistant, processing wages and keeping payroll records accurate.
Purchase ledger clerk, managing supplier invoices and payments.
What you could study next
AAT Level 2 Certificate in Bookkeeping. The natural next step. Builds on Level 1 and covers double-entry bookkeeping in more depth.
AAT Level 2 Certificate in Accounting. A broader qualification covering accounting and finance, recognised by employers across the sector.
AAT Level 3 Diploma in Accounting. For those aiming toward a career as an accounts technician or finance officer.
