CLaSS Fees

Working out how much you pay

The cost of each course is shown in the course details. The fee is for the entire course. If you choose to pay by cheque, cash or postal order then you can pay for your course in 2 instalments as long as your course lasts for 20 weeks or more. At the time of booking you must pay 60% of the fee. The remainder of the fee is payable by Friday 20th November 2009. If you choose to pay by debit or credit card, or if your course is shorter than 20 weeks, you will be required to pay the full amount for your course when you book. On some courses as well as your course fee, there is a cost for examination and/or awarding body registration fees. These are correct at the time of going to print. Exam fees should be paid when you enrol on a course.p>

Which fee is appropriate?

Standard Fee is for Home learners, people who are ordinarily resident in the UK or European Economic Area (EEA), or dependents, who have been resident in the UK or EEA continuously for 3 years and not entitled to a reduced fee.

Reduced Fee is for Home learners on an income based benefit or the dependant of someone in receipt of one these benefits. You will need to bring proof of entitlement if you book in person at one of our centres or to the first session of your course or send a copy.

Listed Income-Based Benefits

• Job Seekers Allowance
• Pension Credit
• Income Support
• Working Tax Credit
• Housing Benefit
• Council Tax Benefit
• Income Related Employment Support Allowance

Overseas/International Fee is for people from abroad who do not meet the criteria for being a Home Learner. These learners will be charged £6.50 per course hour.

Courses are free to those:

1. 16 to 18 year olds on most courses leading to qualifications. Please note that our non-qualification courses are aimed at learners 19 years of age or above on 31st August 2009.
2. On any Basic English, Basic Maths and Preparation for Work courses. For these courses you need to attend an interview prior to enrolment. This is to ensure you get individual advice to help you choose the right course.
3. On full Level 2 courses e.g. NVQ Level 2 for learners who do not already have a full Level 2 qualification, that is, 5 GCSEs Grade C and above or equivalent. For more information contact any of our centres or the Central Booking Line (see here).
4. On courses for people with learning difficulties.
5. On some Family Learning and Parenting courses.

English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) Course Fees

For 2009 - 2010 ESOL courses will be £20.00 per term for learners who are eligible for a reduced fee. To see if you are eligible for a reduced fee, see above.

If you are not eligible for a reduced fee, you will need to pay the standard ESOL course fee for courses, that is, £1.50 per course hour plus examination fees.

Exam Fees, Additional Costs and Refunds

• Exam fees
  On some courses as well as your course fee, there is a cost for examination and/or awarding body registration fees. Exam fees are usually shown with each course listing. The fees are correct at the time of going to print. However, occasionally fees do change. Exam fees should be paid when you enrol on a course. These fees are non-refundable once you have been registered with the awarding body. Help with any exam expenses may be available (see here).
• Additional Costs
  You may also have to pay for textbooks, materials and consumables. Wherever possible, you will be informed of these additional costs in the course information sheets. Help with any course-related expenses may be available (see here).
• Refunds
  A refund will only be given if your course is closed. A pro-rata refund will be issued to those learners who have been in regular attendance. Learners withdrawing from a course are not entitled to a refund. In some cases we can allow learners to transfer the balance of their payment for a course to one other course.