Free Course Fees

If you will be under 19 on 1 September 2009 the full-time courses listed on this site are FREE - there are no registration, tuition, or examination fees. However, there will be a charge should you need to re-sit examinations.

If you will be over 19 on 1 September 2009 the following fees will be charged for all full-time courses (please note, ‘Step Into The Future‘ is not a full-time course) -

£300 Tuition
£50 Registration

Fees will be remitted in acccordance with the LSC guidelines - Full Level 2, Full Level 3, Income based benefits etc, however the registation fee is payable by all.

If you are claiming income support or Job Seeker‘s allowance, contact the Student Finance Officer on 01476 400281 who will be pleased to advise you on how it is possible to study courses listed on this website and still claim your benefit.

Financial Assistance

If you require financial assistance, you can apply for the following:

Education Maintenance Allowances are available to you if you are 16-18 and starting a full-time course.

This is a weekly payment of up to £30 if you are a student aged 16-18 and have a household income of less than £31,000 per year. The EMA will be available for three years if you need additional time to achieve your full potential.

There are also bonuses of £100 if you remain on your course and make good progress in your learning.

The College Learner Support Fund

The College Learner Support Fund is financed by the Learning Skills Council (LSC) each September and is available to help you if you are facing serious financial problems whilst studying.

Residential Support Scheme

The residential funding will support you if you wish to study courses at Level 2 or above. It is only available to you if your course is not available locally and is beyond daily travel in terms of either time or distance. This scheme is particularly appropriate for applicants to the Sports Academies. For specific information please telephone 0161 234 7021.

For general details about any of these sources of assistance contact the Student Finance Officer on 01476 400281.

Additional Costs Clothing & Equipment

For some courses such as Hospitality & Catering, Hairdressing & Beauty Therapy you will require special clothes and equipment. You will be given details of what is required at interview. If your course includes physical education you will need appropriate sportswear.

Travel Assistance

If you are applying for further education programmes you must firstly apply to your Local Education Authority (LEA) for assistance with travel. If your LEA is unable to help there may be very limited support available. Please contact the Student Finance Officer on 01476 400281 for further information.

International & Non-UK Students

Please note the financial information provided in this course guide relates to students who have been normally resident in the UK for at least three years. Different fee arrangements may apply to you if you fall outside this category or are resident overseas. Contact the Information, Advice, Guidance & Enrolment Team on 0800 0521 577 for specific advice and guidance.

Adult Learning Grant (ALG)

If you are over 19 and studying for your first Level 2 or Level 3 qualification you may be eligible for up to £30 per week, whilst you are studying.