Fees Policy

Fees Policy 2026–27

Background

• Young people (aged between 16 and 18 on 31 August 2026) are eligible for fee remission (free courses).
• Adult students (19 or over on 31 August 2026) are required to pay fees unless covered by fee remission categories.
• Adult students enrolling on a Level 3 course (on the Advanced Learner Loans catalogue) who already hold a full Level 3 (or above) qualification can access a loan instead of fee remission, unless eligible under the Free Courses for Jobs offer.

• If a student is fully funded: no fee applies
• If co-funded: fee ≤ 50% of course cost (per FALA – DfE)
• If self-funded or loan-funded: fee ≤ full FALA course cost

Additional points:

• Fees apply from 1 August 2026 to 31 July 2027
• Apprenticeships charged per DfE guidance
• Discounts/reduced fees may apply at Principal’s discretion

• Does not apply to full cost commercial courses
• May require payment for accreditation if:
  • Attendance is below 90%, or
  • Exams are missed without good reason
• Evidence is required to confirm eligibility
• Applies only where learner and course qualify for public funding

Eligible learners:

• Aged 19–23 studying:
  • Entry/Level 1
  • First Level 2 (approved)
  • First full level 3 qualification (From the legal entitlement or FCFJ List)
• Learners studying:
  • Maths or English (GCSE/Functional Skills)
  • Essential Digital Skills (up to Level 1)
• Year 2 learners continuing a previously eligible course
• Learners with earnings less than £22,308, £30,000 (if North East Mayoral Strategic Authority (North East MSA) resident) (or £33,210 if Tees Valley resident)
• Learners on benefits (e.g. JSA, ESA, Universal Credit) with income thresholds:
  • £952/month (individual)
  • £1,534/month (household)

Eligible learners include:

• Adults (19+) studying their first Level 3
• Adults with Level 3+ earning below:
  • £26,800
  • £30,000 (North East Mayoral Strategic Authority (North East MSA) resident)
  • £33,210 (Tees Valley residents)
  • Or unemployed

Discretionary funding (subject to criteria):

• Learner receives benefits and meets income thresholds
• Course is:
  • Linked to employment prospects
  • Relevant to local labour market

Additional funding rules:

• Learner must:
  • Be eligible for co-funding, and
  • Earn less than £26,800, £30,000 (if North East Mayoral Strategic Authority (North East MSA) resident) (or £33,210 if Tees Valley resident)

Evidence required:

• Wage slip (within 3 months), or
• Employment contract showing income

• Fees are paid annually
• Payment options:
  • Full payment at enrolment, or
  • Instalment plan
• Temporary enrolment without payment/evidence:
  • Up to 14 days
  • Reviewed by Head of School if unresolved

• Full refund if course does not run
• Refunds after course start:
  • Only in exceptional circumstances
• No refund of student loan payments