Terms and Conditions

The terms and conditions below are important, please read them carefully.

1. Closure of Courses

On courses where student numbers are low one of three options will be implemented with the approval of a Deputy Principal:

1. The course may be closed with full refund of fees (where paid).
2. A reduced programme and fee may be implemented.
3. Two courses may be taught together. The fees charged will be the rate of the lower level course (e.g. Advanced French courses charged at Intermediate French rate).

 

2. Exclusion from Course

The College reserves the right to exclude from a course any person whose behaviour is disruptive to that course, fellow students or staff. In these circumstances no refunds or credit notes will be given.

 

3. Refunds

NO written request is required where the course is closed by the College; a full refund will be made within 2 weeks.

A written request is required where a refund is claimed as follows:

• The refund request arises from a quality issue or complaint and a refund has been agreed as the outcome
• The refund request stems from a decision that the course is unsuitable for the learner
• The refund request stems from a medical condition or illness that is supported by a doctor's certificate.

A refund may be requested in writing to the Finance Office. A £10 administration fee will be deducted.

There are no refunds for examination and registration fees or additional and materials fees.

Credit Notes will only be given in exceptional circumstances.

 

4. Course Fees

The figures quoted in this brochure relate to course fees, which are normally for the duration of the course, or for the first year of a two-year course. The elements quoted are tuition fees, Awarding body registration/examination fees (where due) and materials or additional fees. These elements are payable at the time of enrolment. Many vocational courses also have additional charges for materials, equipment etc. Tuition fees for part-time students who infill onto full-time courses as follows:

AS/A2/Applied AS or A2 (single)	£440 per subject per year
GCSE studied during the day	£330 per year

Infill onto other full-time courses, including individual units/completion of units, will be charged at £30 for every 10 Guided Learning Hours (GLH) or part thereof. Infill subjects on full-time courses need to be approved by the Head of Teaching Team. There are no discounts for benefit holders on this fee.

There are no discounts for benefit holders available on extra time in the Computer Centre. There are no discounts for "No Concessions" courses.

 

5. Support form Sponsors or Employers

Part-time vocational course fees are published on the basis that they are payable by individual students. Where students are sponsored by an employer, or other organisation, they must ensure they can provide an authority to invoice form completed by their employer (or authorised representative from another organisation) at the time of enrolment, otherwise they must pay the fees themselves.

 

6. Payment by Direct Debit

Payment of fees (including exam and registration fees but excluding materials or additional fees) by direct debit will only be considered where the total amount exceeds £125 and the course is 26 weeks or longer. The initial payment will be 30% of tuition fee plus materials costs on enrolment followed by up to a maximum of six equal monthly payments for the balance. The final payment is to be no later than six weeks before the prescribed end date for the course in the academic year in which the course starts.

 

7. Other Instalment Arrangements

Other instalment plans can be negotiated by arrangement with the Finance Office. A charge of £5 will be made for administering instalment plans that are not collected via Direct Debit. Enrolment will takex` place after the instalment plan has been agreed.

 

8. Over 60s

There are no fee discounts for those over 60 years of age attending subsidised courses in line with the policy set by Somerset County Council.

 

9. Additional Costs

Some part-time non vocational courses involve additional costs based on individual needs e.g. clay for pottery. These courses are separately identified in the prospectus. Students will be given a list of materials to purchase or will pay the fee at enrolment. There is no refund of any additional costs.

 

10. Students aged 16 - 18

Students aged 16 - 18 are exempt from part-time vocational tuition, awarding body, registration and examination fees. Applicants who are at school require the permission of the school to attend any course.

 

11. Students under 16

Part-time - day-time attendance Fees will be negotiated with the school, parent, Local Authority after discussion with the Deputy Principal.

Part-time - evening attendance Students under 16 must pay the full-cost fee, awarding body registration and/or examination fees quoted in the part-time prospectus. They must be accompanied by a parent who is enrolled onto the same or another course on the same campus for the same time period.

 

12. Awarding body registration/examination fees

All vocational courses carry awarding body registration/examination fees. These are payable at the time of enrolment. There is no exemption from these charges on benefit grounds. The Course Tutor will inform students of closing dates for entry and completed entry forms must be submitted to the Examination Office by the due dates. NOTE: There is no guarantee that the exam will be scheduled during the normal class time. GCSE and AS/A2 exams will be during the working day.

 

13. Overseas students

An overseas student is a student who is a national of a country outside the European Union and European Economic Area or their overseas territories. Nationals who have lived outside of these areas for more than 3 years may be required to pay overseas fees. Each case needs to be discussed at application/enrolment with the Head of Admissions and Marketing. All fees must be paid in advance of starting a course.

 

14. Discretionary Learner Support Funds (DLSF)

Discretionary Learner Support Funds may be available from the College to support Further Education (FE) students in financial hardship. Students can apply for support towards their essential course costs such as exam and qualification registration fees, essential materials and equipment and childcare costs. Applications are means tested and assessed on a first come first served basis, so early application is recommended.

DLSF application forms and further information are available from the Student Support Centre or at main reception.

 

15. Duration of Tuition Time

Students pay tuition fees for each qualification. This fee pays for a maximum number of teaching hours which is stipulated. If the student completes the qualification early there is no refund of fee or time. Any student who exceeds the maximum number of teaching hours and does not achieve, will be able to purchase additional teaching hours in blocks of 10 at £30 per block, in order to complete their enrolled qualification. There are no discounts for benefit holders on this fee.

 

16. Printer Credits and Materials

Part-time IT students only will receive £2.50 towards printing costs. Other students will receive no credit towards the cost of printing. On completion of one qualification no print costs can be carried forward to the next qualification. No refunds can be made for any unused print credit. Printing credit can be purchased from the college shop at a cost of: Black and White A4 = 2p-3p each, A3 = 4p-6p each, Colour A4 = 15p-20p each, A3 = 20p-25p each.

 

17. Registration Fees

Registration fees with an awarding body sometimes remain current for more than one year. If a student fails to complete a course in one year and wishes to re-enrol in another, a check should be made with the exams office about the currency of the registration with the awarding body. If the registration is current, no further fee will be charged. The tuition and any other fee remain payable.

 

18. Distance Selling Regulations

Where a course enrolment is made by telephone or online there is a seven day cooling off period. If you withdraw within this time, there is an automatic refund. This does not apply to course enrolments less than seven days before the start of the course.