Course costs vary, depending on the duration and type of course, and your personal circumstances (for example, if you’re on certain benefits or you’re taking a particular qualification).
There are two types of courses available to you – accredited and non-accredited.
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Accredited courses are typically those that lead to a qualification. You will be expected to sit any assessments or exams that are part of the course, and exam fees are payable at the time of enrolment (unless you are entitled to a concession on your course fee). A learner support fund is available to help you pay for the exam fee if you meet the criteria. More information is available on the Financial help and additional support page.
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A non-accredited course does not generally lead to a formal qualification but will give you an introduction to a subject, or can enhance your existing knowledge. Please note that learners aged 16-18 on 31 August 2012 are not able to join a non-accredited course unless they pay £12.50 per hour.
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When you are enrolling on a course, you may get the course fees for free if you meet any of the criteria below.
- Aged 19-23 on 31 August 2012 and studying for first full Level 2 qualification (see below for more details)
- Aged 19-24 on 31 August 2012 and studying for first full Level 3 qualification (see below for more details)
- Aged 16-18 on 31 August 2012 and studying an accredited course. For non-accredited courses, learners must pay £12.50 per hour
- In receipt of Job Seekers' Allowance
- In receipt of Employment Support Allowance (Work Related Activity Group only)
- Unemployed and in receipt of state benefits, needing skills training to enter employment
- Learners studying first full level 3 qualification who have left the British Armed Forces after completing four or more years of service or have been medically discharged, due to an injury in active service, after completing basic training
- Learner who has not reached GCSE grade C or above in English and Maths, undertaking GCSE English and Maths
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Some of our courses are classed as full cost which means the adult education service does not get funded by the government for them. There are no concessions available on these courses but the single fee is clear in the course guide (prices shown at the side of the course) or on our online booking system.
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Any course with course fees over £50 (excluding exam fees) can be paid in two instalments. Both instalments must be paid before the end of the first term. Please note that this is not available if you book online. If you need to pay in more than two instalments due to your financial circumstances, please speak to a member of staff in the adult education centre running your course to see if alternative arrangements can be made.
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If you are in receipt of Job Seekers' Allowance (JSA) or Employment Support Allowance (Work Related Activity Group), or are an unemployed learner in receipt of state benefits, needing skills training to enter employment, you may be entitled to a free course. However, if this does not apply, there are learner support funds available to help give financial support to those who have a household income of less than £17,500 per year. More information is available on the Financial help and additional support page.
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The government is committed to supporting people to achieve Level 2 and 3 qualifications.
Learners aged 19-23 on 31 August 2012 studying their first full Level 2 qualification (equivalent to five GCSEs A-C) is entitled to full fee remission, which means you could take the course for free. We may also be able to help you with the exam fee, childcare and transport costs, depending upon your circumstances. Learners aged 19-24 on 31 August 2012 studying their first full Level 3 qualification is also entitled to full fee remission.
Below are some of the full Level 2 and 3 courses available. Further information is available on the relevant webpage for these subjects or from your adult education centre.
Business and Administration
- Customer Service NVQ Certificate - Level 2
- Team Leading NVQ Certificate - Level 2
- Business Administration - Level 3
Computer Skills
- European Computer Driving Licence (ECDL) Extra - Level 2
- European Computer Driving Licence (ECDL) Advanced - Level 3
Creative Studies
- Craft and Design Ascentis Level 2 Certificate - Level 2
- Photography and Photo Imaging C&G Certificate - Level 2
- L2 Certificate in Creative Techniques - using drawing, painting and mixed media - Level 2
- Sugarcrafts Certificate - Level 2
Healthy Living & Early Years
Languages, Literature and Culture
- British Sign Language Signature - Level 2
- Spanish for Improvers ABC - Level 2
- English A Level - Level 2
Working in Education and Training
- Supporting Teaching and Learning in Schools C&G Certificate - Levels 2 and 3
- Equality and Diversity NCFE Certificate - Level 2
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Please use our interactive course finder where you can search for courses by title, subject or location.
You can also contact your nearest adult education centre where our friendly staff will be happy to give you more information about courses that interest you.
If you know what course you want to do but do not want to book online, please see the How to Enrol page for more information on the alternative ways to book your course.
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