Paying for your programme
Some of our programmes are free. For others you will need to pay.
Most of the costs of adult learning courses are covered by a grant to Gateshead Council from the Learning and Skills Council. The level of support varies according to the course. This explains why some are free whilst for others there is a charge.
Our charges are explained below.
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Free Courses
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Fees policy
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Getting a discount or concession
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Charges
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Refund Policy
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What is included in the costs?
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Examination Fees
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CRB Checks
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Learner Support
1. Free Courses
These courses are free for everyone:
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'First Steps' learning courses that demonstrably lead to Full Level 2 qualifications.
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Family Learning Courses.
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All courses leading to a Level 2 qualification.
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English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL courses).
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‘Skills for Life’ courses.
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Dedicated courses for adults with learning disabilities and difficulties.
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Courses for citizenship and volunteering.
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2. Fees policy
Fees apply to all courses outside of the categories above, broadly courses that represent ‘learning for its own sake’.
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Full Price
For people under 60 who do not qualify for a concession
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Over 60’s
50% reduction if over 60-years at the date on which the course begins
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Concessions:
People who qualify for a concession do not have to pay for courses. Including:
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16-18 year olds in full or part-time education.
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Unemployed people who get jobseekers’ allowance.
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Many people who get income-based benefits*
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Unwaged dependants of those listed above (as defined by the Benefits Agency
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Asylum seekers who get the equivalent of an income-based benefit, and their dependants.
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Full-time university or college students with a valid NUS card who satisfy the residency criteria.
* The main income-based benefits are: Council Tax Benefit, Housing Benefit, Income Support, Jobseekers’ Allowance (income-based)
If in receipt of Working Tax Credit or Child Tax Credit, or Guarantee Credit or Savings Credit or elements of the Pensions Credit, learners may also qualify for a concession. Learners will need to ask at the learning centre for more details and bring an award notice with them at the time of enrolment.
Learners claiming Child Tax Credit or the Savings Credit will not be eligible for fee remission unless they are in receipt of another income-based benefit. Only those learners in receipt of Working Tax Credit or the Guarantee Credit with a household income of less than £14,600 will be eligible for fee remission. The required evidence is provided on pages 1 and 2 of the award notices.
Incapacity Benefit is not income related so it will not qualify for a concession.
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3. Getting a discount or concession
If learners qualify for a discount or concession, they must bring evidence on enrolment, e.g. a benefit book, NUS card or proof of age.
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4. Charges
The fees policy is based upon a charge of £1.20 per hour for learning at full price, or 60p per hour for over 60s. Charges cover the costs of the course and any accreditation fees (first accreditation only).
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5. Refund Policy
A full refund will be offered if a course is cancelled before it starts. For example, because of a lower than expected number of enrolments.
If a course closes after five week, a partial refund will be offered. Apart from this refunds will only be offered for medical or employment reasons. A doctor’s note or a letter from an employer will act as proof.
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6. What is included in the costs?
All prices include the cost of the course and any accreditation where appropriate, (the accreditation costs are for the first accreditation only).
This is a delivery cost for the course so equipment and materials may not be included. Costs will be explained at the time of enrolment and explained on course information sheets.
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7. Examination Fees
The cost of the first examination (or accreditation) is included in your course fee. However, if a learner does not sit the exam, and does not have a good reason for not sitting it, then the Centre may decide to charge for the examination fee. This will be made clear when the exam entries are being submitted. Charges will also be made for extra exams or resits.
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8. CRB Checks
If a course involves working with children or vulnerable adults, a police clearance check will be carried out. There may be a charge for this.
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9. Learner Support
Learner support is available for people with disabilities, learning difficulties, literacy, language or numeracy needs.
If a learner receives financial assistance but decides to leave before the course ends, then money may have to be repaid.
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