Information for those studying accredited community courses (certified courses)
You may not have to pay course fees if;
– You are aged 19-23 on the start date of your course and are studying on an Entry Level or Level 1 course and will progress to Level 2
– You are aged 19-23 on the start date of your course and are studying on your first full Level 2 qualification
– You are aged 19-23 on the start date of your course and are studying on your first full Level 3 qualification
– You are aged 19-23 on the start date of your course and would like to study a full Level 4 qualification and do not already hold a Level 3 qualification
If your employer or sponsor is paying your fees, please provide us with a letter from the company. This must be an original letter on the company’s letter headed template, copies, handwritten letters or emails cannot be accepted.
If you are in receipt of the benefits outlined below, you must bring proof dated within 3 months.
Job Seekers Allowance (JSA)
Evidence you should bring to enrollment.
Letter from the Benefit Office, dated within the last year stating the benefit entitlement.
Employment Support Allowance (ESA)
Evidence you should bring to enrollment.
Letter from the Benefit Office, dated within the last year stating the benefit entitlement.
If you are unemployed and claiming either benefit below and undertaking this course to help you enter employment
Income Support
Evidence you should bring to enrollment.
Letter from the Benefit Office, dated within the last year stating the benefit entitlement.
Housing Benefit
Evidence you should bring to enrollment.
Letter from the Benefit Office, dated within the last year stating the benefit entitlement.
Information for those studying Part-Time Accredited Certificated Community Courses Only
You may have to pay course fees if you are aged 19+, are a UK or EU student and fulfill one of the following criteria.
You are in receipt of one of the following benefits:
– Income Support/Housing Benefit (income based or non-contribution based) (you must be unemployed and seeking work in the area of study)
– Job Seekers Allowance
– Employment Support Allowance
– Category D Offender
Please bring in evidence dated within 3 months of any benefit you receive when you come to enroll.
| Benefit | Evidence you should bring to enrollment |
| Job Seekers Allowance (JSA) | Letter from the Benefit Office dated within the last tax year, clearly stating the benefit entitlement |
| Examination or Assessment Fees | Letter from the Benefit Office dated within the last tax year, clearly stating the benefit entitlement |
| Income Support | Letter from the Benefit Office dated within the last tax year, clearly stating the benefit entitlement |
| Housing Fees | Letter from the Council, dated within the last tax year, confirming entitlement |
Learner Support Fund – Students Aged 19 and Over
Most students who are in receipt of an income assessed benefit, together with students on a low income, can apply to Learner Support Fund for help with materials, uniforms, books, examinations, travel to College and childcare costs.
Applications cannot be submitted until you have enrolled.
| Fee | Job Seekers Allowance (JSA) or Employment Support Allowance or Housing/Income Support and skills to gain employment | Entry Level, Level 1, Full Level 2, Full Level 3 or Full Level 4 | |
| Tuition | Yes | Yes | |
| Examination or Assessment Fees | Yes | Yes | |
| Materials/Books | Yes | Yes |
| A full Level 2 qualification is any of the following: | A full Level 3 qualification is any of the following: |
| Five GCSE’s at Grade A-C BTEC First Diplomas and Certificates NVQ Level 2 |
Two A2 Levels Four AS Levels BTEC Diploma, Certificate or Award BTEC National GCE in Applied Subjects (equivalent to two A2 Levels) International Baccalaureate NVQ Level 3 |