Fees and Costs Funding explained


Courses fall into two categories; those supported by government funding and full cost courses which do not attract any government money. Full cost courses are designed to provide continual professional development for employees working in a variety of industries. Some leisure programmes also fall into this category.


You may qualify for a concessionary rate if you are studying a government funded course and meet one of the criteria listed. You will need to have enrolled and paid your fees before you can start your course.


Fees can be paid by cheque, cash or credit/ debit card in person, by cheque or credit/ debit card through the post or by credit/ debit card via the telephone. If you are eligible for a reduced fee you will need to enrol in person to show proof of your claim.


Concessions/Reduced Fees These are available if you are:


• Aged over 19 - 23 and are studying for a First Full Level 2 qualifi cation, or if you are 19-24 and are studying for a First Full Level 3 qualifi cation.


• Unemployed and in receipt of a means tested benefi t entitling you to the reduced rate on courses.


• Aged 16 to 18 – You will be exempt from tuition fees on courses leading to a qualifi cation. If, however, you are in full- time education at another institution, you may be liable to pay the full fee.


The concessionary fees quoted in this brochure cover costs such as books, materials, uniforms, kits, equipment and CRB checks. They do not include tuition or examination fees which are not charged to learners on concessionary fee remission.


The Skills Funding Agency rules on funding allow these charges to be made to learners if the learner makes use of the resources provided outside the requirements of the course delivery or keeps them after completion of the course.


The concessionary fee will not be charged to learners where the learner will not be using materials or equipment outside the learning requirement and is able to return the materials (or items made with the materials) and equipment at the end of the course. The College offers a loan facility for equipment, books and uniforms that are only used on the course and returned at the end of the learning period. These loans will only be available to learners claiming concessionary fee remission and a refundable deposit may be required.


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Learners can also apply to the learner support fund for help with course costs if they meet the required fi nancial needs criteria. Please enquire at enrolment if you would like to apply for a loan of materials and equipment or help from the learner support fund.


Unemployed and in receipt of Means Tested Benefi ts


If you are unemployed and in receipt of any of the following benefi ts you can claim fee remission.


• Job Seekers allowance (contribution based) • Job Seekers allowance (income based) • Income – related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)


• Council Tax Benefi t • Housing Benefi t • Income Support • Asylum Seeker receiving income based benefi t


• Offenders who are serving their sentence in this country


You will need to provide evidence of your means tested benefi ts at enrolment. A recent letter no older than 3 months for Job Seekers Allowance or Employment Support Allowance (ESA). For other means tested benefi ts either your benefi t book or offi cial letter will be required (bank statements are not accepted).


Are there any extra costs?


• Examination and registration fees are included in the course fees.


• Materials charges may be applicable for some courses. See above.


Refunds


Refunds can only be made in very exceptional circumstances as the College needs to ensure its programmes remain viable for those who remain on them. If you feel your circumstances are exceptional you should contact Fees and Enrolments in writing. Occasionally we may have to close a class prematurely. If this happens we will try to transfer you to a suitable alternative programme or will offer you a refund.


Exam fees which have been sent to outside examination boards cannot be refunded by the College if you decide not to sit the exam. Additional exam fees will be charged for students re-sitting exams unless there are exceptional circumstances.


Exam entry


While every effort is made to support students in their preparation for examinations, entry is at the discretion of the teaching staff. Students who do not demonstrate the required minimum standards to pass an examination will not be entered. On the rare occasion where this happens students will be reimbursed any examination fees they have paid.


Payment by Sponsor/Employer


If your employer or a managing agent is sponsoring you, you will need to provide a letter on original letter head confi rming that they will pay your fees.


If you change jobs and your employer is unwilling to meet any outstanding fees, you will then become liable for payment of all outstanding fees. Course refunds will not be made to your employer if you leave the employment of your sponsor. The College reserves the right to levy a 5% penalty charge for any payment that is received more than six weeks after the date of enrolment.


Note to Sponsors:


The fees quoted in this guide do not apply to Youth Training/ Modern Apprenticeships unless specifi cally indicated. Details of those fees are available on application to the Fees Offi ce.


Overseas students


If you have not been resident in the UK or any other European Union country for the past three years you may need to pay overseas rates, details of which are available on request. Please seek individual guidance from staff in Student Services.


Financial support for Teacher Training courses


Bursaries to assist with Teacher Training fees are available. Please contact the College for details on how to apply.


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