West Sussex County Council: Frequently Asked Questions

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• Courses
• Centres
• Liability, Quality, Compliments & Complaints

Information & Advice on Choosing Your Course

Do you need help with choosing the best course for you? Please ask at the Adult Education Centre for:

• Course information sheets
• Help with choosing a suitable course
• Details of how to speak to the course tutor
• Access to other learning information

What do my fees include?

The fees shown are for tuition and, where stated, for examination fees and other additional costs. You will be expected to provide yourself with the appropriate books and materials for your course. In some circumstances these may be available from your course tutor or the centre. Examination costs and additional course costs are not subject to concessionary discounts.

How can I pay for a course?

Payment can be made at the centre by cash, cheque or card; or by card online through the Adult Education enrolment site. For more details about payment and flexible payments, please contact your local Adult Education Centre.

Must I take an exam or assessment?

If you are enrolling on a course leading to a qualification you will be expected to take the examination/assessment at the appropriate time unless you have left the course. Examination/assessment costs are charged at the time of enrolment and are not refundable.

Can I get a refund?

Refunds may be available in exceptional circumstances, e.g. on medical grounds with a Doctor's certificate. There will be a 10% administration charge. If a class is closed a refund is given automatically. If you need to cancel your enrolment please give us as much notice as possible.Learners enrolling online may cancel within 7 days.

Can I transfer to another course?

Transfer of students and fees to other courses or between Centres can usually be arranged providing there is space.

What if the course is cancelled or changes?

Our courses usually run as advertised but West Sussex Adult Education Service reserves the right to alter or cancel courses in some circumstances. If it becomes necessary for us to cancel your course your fees will be refunded.

Disclaimer - Will there be changes?

Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of the information in this publication the Adult Education Service reserves the right to cancel or change a course, to change the venue, or to substitute a tutor whenever it is considered necessary. Adult Education Centres reserve the right not to accept an application for enrolment.

What will I learn?

Students must satisfy themselves that the course for which they have enrolled is the one that is most appropriate to their needs. Consultation with course tutors and further advice on course content is available through the Centres.

Adult Education Centres reserve the right not to accept an application for enrolment.

How do I know what level I am?

Many courses are aimed at teaching learners at a particular skill level in that subject. Language courses especially are focused around skill level. To determine your skill level, please contact your Centre who will be happy to discuss this with you.

How old do I have to be to enrol?

Students have to be aged 16 or over on the date the course starts. Young people under the age of 16 can only attend courses specifically arranged for them, e.g. Family Learning programmes.

What is Skills for Life?

Skills for Life offers individuals resident in the UK, free courses designed to improve life skills such as English and Maths. Learning can be done at your own pace, in small friendly groups and can lead to qualifications. For more information, contact your local Adult Education Centre.

What is Learning Links?

Learning Links provides people to accompany adults with learning disibilities on an Adult Education course. For more information about Learning Links or to become a 'Buddy', contact 01403 713513

Are there refreshments?

Refreshments are sometimes available to purchase, but this may depend on the course and the centre. For more information, contact the Centre running your course.