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 Skills Funding Agency. The level of support varies according to the course. This explains why some are free and why there is a charge for others.
Our charges are explained below.
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1. Free Courses
These courses are free for everyone:
a. 'Skills for Jobs' courses for the unemployed
b. 'Family Learning' courses
c. 'Skills for Life' literacy and numeracy courses
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2. Fees policy
You may have to pay a fee for courses not in the categories above.
Full Price
Payable if you are under 60 and do not qualify for a concession
Over-60s Price
25% reduction if you are over 60 on the first day of the course
100% Concession: No tuition fee to pay
There is no fee to pay for a course where you meet one of the criteria below:
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You are 16-18 years old.
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The course will be your first Full Level 2 qualification (fees will be charged at the normal adult rate for other courses unless you meet other criteria here).
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You are 19-25 years old and the course will be your first Full Level 3 qualification (fees will be charged at the normal adult rate as above for any other courses).
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You are 25 years-old or older and the course you want to do will be your first Full Level 3 course and you do not already have a Full Level 2 qualification
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You do not already have a full-level 2 qualification and need to study an entry-level or level 1 qualification in order to progress to to level 2
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You are getting one of the active benefits specified in the list below.
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Jobseeker’s Allowance and you are unemployed
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Employment and Support Allowance (Work-Related Activity Group)
Please note that other benefits are not active so unfortunately do not automatically entitle you on their own to a 100% Concession.
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You are not in receipt of Job Seekers Allowance or Employment and Support Allowance (WRAG) but you are unemployed and in receipt of another state benefit and will be studying for a learning aim that will help you enter employment. Please note that this eligibility is at the discretion of the provider.
If you do not fall into either of these categories and can’t afford to pay your course fees, then you can apply to our hardship funds for financial help. Speak to the enrolling officer at the centre or contact us on 0191 433 8610 for more information.
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3. Getting a discount or concession
If you qualify for a discount or concession, you must bring evidence of this when you come to enrol, e.g. benefit book or proof of age
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4. Charges
Fee rates are based on a value of £2.20 per hour for learning at full price, or £1.65 per hour for those aged over 60.
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5. Refund Policy
A full refund will be offered if a course is cancelled before it starts, such as for example when there are too few enrolments for the course to go ahead. If a course closes after five week, a partial refund will be offered. Refunds will only be offered in other cases for medical or employment-related reasons. A doctor’s note or a letter from an employer will be needed as proof.
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6. What is included in the costs?
Published course fees cover the tuition costs of the course as well as your share of the cost of your accreditation and examination fees.
On certain courses additional equipment and materials may also apply. Any such additional costs will be explained at the time of enrolment and explained on course information sheets.
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7. Examination Fees
Some of the cost of your examination and/or assessment is included in your course fee. However, if you do not sit the exam without good reason, we reserve the right to charge you for the examination/assessment cost in full. This will be made clear to you when your examination/assessment entry is being submitted. A charge will also be made for any extra examination or assessment or resits.
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8. CRB Checks
If your course involves your working with children or vulnerable adults, we will need to arrange for a police clearance check to be carried out. There may be a charge for this.
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9. Learner Support
We can sometimes bring in help for you depending on your course if you have disabilities that need in-class support, or learning difficulties such as additional literacy, language or numeracy needs.
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10. Discretionary Learner Support
Depending on your circumstances and the course you are doing we can also sometimes help with the cost of things like books, materials, and accredited childcare costs.
If you are granted financial assistance but then decide to leave before the course ends, we will expect you to repay any moneys received.