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. 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 (even if 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.
Special Offer!
All exam based courses now have 50% off the course fee. This is a limited offer so enrol online today.
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.
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If you are enrolling on an accredited course, you may get the course fees for free if you meet any of the criteria below. If you are enrolling on a non-accredited course, you may get 50 per cent discount on the course fees. Please note that exam fees are payable regardless of whether you are on a concession or not.
- Learners on their first full Level 2 qualification (see below for more details)
- Learners taking their first full Level 3 without having a full Level 2 qualification (see below for more details)
- Aged 19-24 on 31 August 2011 studying their first full Level 3 qualification (see below for more details)
- Aged 16-18 on 31 August 2011 and studying an accredited course. For non-accredited courses, learners must pay £12.50 per hour
- In receipt ofJob Seekers' Allowance
- In receipt of Employment Support Allowance (Work Related Activity Group only)
- 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
- Learners claiming housing benefit
- Learners claiming income support
- Learners claiming council tax benefit (excluding single person discount) - only applies to the named council tax benefit holder
- Unwaged dependant of those listed above
- Asylum seekers who are deemed eligible and are in receipt of the equivalent of income based benefit.
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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.
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If you are in receipt of Job Seekers’ Allowance or Employment Support Allowance (Work Related Activity Group only), you may be entitled to a free or reduced fee on your 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.
Any learner, of any age, undertaking 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 2011 are entitled to full fee remission for a first full Level 3 qualification.
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, Administration and Computer Skills
- Administration - NVQ Certificate at Level 2
- Customer Service - NVQ Certificate at Level 2
- Team Leading - NVQ Certificate at Level 2
- Text/Word Processing (Formerly RSA Office Technology Skills) and BCS E-Type Touch-typing Certificate at Level 2
- A.A.T. Level 2 Certificate in Accounting
ICT
Working in Education and Training
- Supporting Teaching and Learning in Schools at Level 2 and 3
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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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