Financial support

Do I have to pay for my course?

Are you aged 16-18?

If you are aged between 16 and 18 when you start your course and you are taking a course leading to a qualification, the tuition and exam fees are free. However, there may be some additional costs for exams and/or materials depending on the course. If you can prove that you meet one of the following you can apply for some help from the 16-18 Bursary towards the cost of meals, equipment, books and travel, providing:

• The level of your gross household income is under £25,500
• You are in care or are a care leaver, then you will be eligible for bursary of up to £1,200
• You are the primary helper or carer for your family
• You are in receipt of free school meals in Year 11 in which case the College will provide a £3 daily meal allowance for redemption in the College’s catering outlets
• You require help towards purchasing your termly bus pass.

Are you aged 19 or over?

If you are aged 19 or over, you will be required to pay an enrolment fee of £40, tuition fees and exam fees, however discounts may be available.

If you’re 19 or over, but you do not hold a full Level 2 or full Level 3 qualification (see below) you may be exempt from paying tuition fees. The following adult learners are entitled to fully discounted tuition fees:

• Learners of all ages studying their first full Level 2 qualification. A full Level 2 qualification is equivalent to five or more GCSEs at Grades A* to C; NVQ Level 2 or equivalent;
• 19-24 year old learners studying their first full Level 3 qualification. A full Level 3 qualification is an Access to Higher Education Course, BTEC National Certificate or Diploma, NVQ Level 3, or two or more A Levels or equivalent.
• Learners of all ages taking a first full Level 3 qualification without having a Level 2 (so called Level 3 “jumpers”).

In the above 3 categories, college registration and assessment/exam fees will be payable.

• Learning aims that are funded as Adult Skills for Life and functional skills in literacy and numeracy (excluding Skills for Life ESOL)
• Learners who are on Job Seekers Allowance or Employment Support Allowance in the work-related activity group.

Tuition fee discounts may be available if you are in receipt of active benefits.

Are you an international student?

If you are aged between 16 and 18 when you start your course and you are from the EU and have been living in the EEA* for the last three years, you do not have to pay tuition fees.

If you are aged 19 or over and are from outside the EU you will need to apply for a Tier 4 Licence from the UK Border Agency. As well as some course restrictions, you will need to gain 40 points from the UK Border Agency. Ten points will be awarded for a college confirmation of acceptance for study letter and 30 will be awarded for proof of ability to pay the tuition fees and to provide £600 per month to cover likely expenses.

Overseas students’ tuition fees are currently £4,500 or more per annum for Further Education and £8,575 per annum for Higher Education. Higher Education fees are changing from 2012/13 and details of these and any related Bursaries will be made available nearer the start of that academic year.

*Nationals of Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway, although EEA members are deemed overseas students. Due to changes in government policy you are advised to check the latest immigration news.

The Learner Support Fund for Adults:
Extra money to help with your studies

If you or your parents/carers are in receipt of benefits, or on a low income, please contact Student Services on 01934 411 411 for information about financial support that may be available. If your gross family income is under £20,817* per year, you may be able to apply to the discretionary Learner Support Fund for help with additional costs, e.g. kit, uniform and materials. This support applies if you are studying:

• National qualifications (e.g. GCSE Maths)
• OCN qualifications
• Everyday skills courses (see page 156)
• English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL)
• Application forms are available from our Student Services team until 24th September, 2011.

*Correct at time of publication

Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA)

EMA is being phased out and will only be payable for small numbers of learners completing their courses in 2012/13. The 16-18 Bursary administered by the College (see above) has been established to offer some financial support.

Adult Learning Grant (ALG)

Adult Learning Grants have now been withdrawn for new learners from 2012/13.

Free childcare

All 16 to 20 year old parents joining Weston College in September 2012 will be entitled to FREE childcare at college through Care to Learn.

If you are over 20 and eligible for Learner Support Funds, Weston College may be able to offer you supported childcare with Ofsted registered childcare facilities.

For further information please contact Student Services on 01934 411 411 or email enquiries@weston.ac.uk.