Frequently asked questions

How can I find out more about the course and venue?

Ring 0845 601 0161 for information and advice.
Ask for a course information sheet.
Ask for a venue information sheet, with map.

What do the costs shown in the brochure include?

The costs shown include tuition fees, exam entry fees and some additional costs. You will be expected to provide books or materials where appropriate.

What will I be sent when I enrol?

A receipt, a course information sheet, a Welcome Handbook containing useful information and a map if requested will be sent to you when you enrol.

What types of courses are there and what will I have to pay?

Different types of courses are subsidised by government funding in various ways and by different amounts.

Personal and Community Development courses: for your enjoyment and development. If you are on a means tested benefit you will be entitled to a 70% discount on tuition fees on production of proof of entitlement. If you are over 65 and not on a means tested benefit you will be entitled to a 10% discount on the tuition fees.

Means tested benefits are currently – Jobseekers Allowance/ Council Tax Benefit/Housing Benefit/Pension Guarantee Credit/Income Support/Working Tax Credit (if household income on the award notice is below £16,000)/Employment and Support Allowance (work related activity group)

Community Plus courses: these courses are planned to meet the needs of particular groups and individuals within the community and as they are subsidised at a higher rate fee levels are lower. Many of these courses are not available for online enrolment.

Learner Responsive courses (including ESOL): these courses are funded at a higher rate and lead to specific qualifications. Some groups of students are entitled to concessions on these courses. Please telephone 0845 601 0161 if you would like to discuss your eligibility.

Students will pay no tuition fees if they are on Jobseekers Allowance or on Employment and Support Allowance (work related activity group) but will pay exam fees and additional course costs.
Students aged 16-18 will not normally be required to pay tuition fees or exam costs but there may be additional course costs on some courses.
Students who do not already have a full level 2 qualification (for example, 5 GCSEs at grade A*-C, an A level, an NVQ Level 2) may not be required to pay tuition fees on some Entry level or Level 1 courses.
Students enrolling on their first full level 2 qualification (all ages) or their first full level 3 course (aged 19-24) may not be required to pay tuition fees.

If you are over 65 and not on one of the benefits already mentioned you will be entitled to a 10% discount on the tuition fees. Conditions of our funding mean that there are no discounts for students on other means-tested benefits on these courses. Learner Support funding may be available to help some students who may be discouraged from joining a course for financial reasons. Please telephone 0845 601 0161 for details.

English and Maths: Most English and Maths courses are free to the student. This does not include GCSEs.

Do I have to pay all the fees at once?

You will be expected to pay the full costs due but direct debit and instalment options are available. Please ask for details.

Can I get a refund?

As many enrolments are made by phone, post or online our refund policy meets the requirements of the Distance Selling Regulations.

You have the right to cancel your enrolment within 7 working days of receiving confirmation, in which case a full refund will be made. If the course starts within that 7 day period the right to cancel applies up to the day the course starts. Cancellation requests must be made by email or letter to the local centre or to adult.education@westsussex.gov.uk or West Sussex Adult and Community Learning Service, 2^nd Floor East Wing North, County Hall, West Street, Chichester, PO19 1RF.
Refunds can also be issued outside the 7 day period if a written request is received more than 4 weeks before the start of the course. An administrative charge of £7.50 will be deducted from the refund.
After that time, only requests for refunds as a result of your ill health, supported by a certificate from your doctor, will be considered. An administrative charge of £7.50 will be deducted from any refund.
If a course is closed or cancelled refunds will be made with no administrative fee deducted. We are often able to arrange a transfer to another suitable course.

What happens if there are changes to my course?

Although courses usually run as advertised we reserve the right to alter or cancel courses as necessary. In line with our refund policy we are unable to grant refunds on the grounds of a change of tutor or venue.

Will I be accepted on any course I choose?

In some subjects we would need to assess which course is the most suitable for you so you would be advised if you need to come in for a pre-enrolment discussion. We do reserve the right not to accept an application for enrolment. Students must be 16 years of age or over on the date the course starts.

What do I do if I need extra support to access my courses?

Talk to us about your needs when you enrol or at any stage during the course and we will do our best to help.

For more information

A Welcome Handbook containing more information will be sent to you when you enrol. If you would like to see a copy now please call 0845 601 0161.

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