Did you ever go back to full time education as an adult?

If so, were you able to get financial help? I really want to train to become a vet nurse but at 24 years old have not been in full time education since I left school at 16 with (mostly) decent GCSE results.

The problem is, I have been working full time since leaving school but, as I live alone and fully support myself with no help from anywhere/one else, I can only just afford to pay my rent and the bills so, obviously, I can’t afford to pay tuition fees or rent/bills without help. Would I still qualify for a student loan or have I missed that boat?

I have requested an appointment with an adviser at my college of choice but haven’t heard from anyone yet so I thought I would come here for any advise you may be able to give me.