Course fees statement

Wirral Lifelong Learning Service has a policy of charging fees for some courses. Our funding is received from Liverpool City Region; they expect us to set fees for some courses, the government view being that adults who can afford to pay for learning should pay, and public subsidy should be targeted at the most disadvantaged learners. Any income generated from fees is used to fund more courses and growth. The fee policy is based on a rate comparable to other local providers who run similar courses.

Skills for Life courses are offered free for all adults who need them. Skills for Life courses are Numeracy, Literacy and English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) at level 2 or below. 

Our essential digital skills courses are also free of charge to all, these are currently:

• Level 1 Functional Skills in ITC 
• Level 2 Functional Skills in ITC 
• Getting the Most Out of Microsoft Office Easy Steps

Wirral Lifelong and Family Learning Service – Fees Statement

• Adult Learners, who are on an Income, based benefit, or who earn no more than £33,958.60 before deductions, will not pay course fees
• Skills for Life and Functional Skills - Adult literacy and numeracy, Family Learning literacy, numeracy courses are free (this is a national Adult Learning policy)
• English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) at level 2 or below are free, to stimulate demand from targeted groups
• Essential Digital Skills courses are free, see examples above
• Very short tasters or workshops, comprising one session, can be free, as a tool to encourage learners to progress to further learning
• Courses targeting specific vulnerable groups are often free for learners
• For specialist courses and courses commissioned by another organisation or with sponsorship from employers, a higher fee should be charged to cover costs

Payments

For payments we require the learner to view the pay adult learning course fees.

Remission Of Fees Wirral Lifelong Service Fee Remission policy

In the 24/25 year, more Wirral adults than ever before will receive their courses at no charge.

Courses are free to learners in receipt of an income-based means tested benefit. Courses are also free for all learners who individually earn no more than £33,958.60 Gross, annually, as stipulated by Liverpool City Region Combined Authority.

Fee remission Categories

Evidence

All proof of entitlement must be produced at the enrolment session or first teaching session.

Proof of entitlement must be current or dated within the last 3 months.

Examination, Registration and Certification Costs

• Exam and certification will be absorbed by the Lifelong Learning Service, for the majority of adult learners, in the 2024 - 25 academic year, exceptions being:
• Where a learner is an employee of or is a client of another organisation, and costs can be recovered from that organisation by way of invoicing.
• Where the course lies outside of the Skills for Life provision, for example, Equality and Diversity Training.
• Where learners cannot evidence fee remission category as detailed above

Refund of Fees

We recognise that there are circumstances in which learners have a genuine reason to claim a refund. 

Refunds are offered in the following circumstances to all people who have enrolled on a class:

• Where the course closes as a result of lack of numbers to make the class viable.
• Where a class is cancelled by the service for any reason.
• The meeting times, venue or day of the class are changed so that it is no longer possible for an individual to attend.
• A learner enrols in advance of the course starting and pays a fee but prior to the course starting their circumstances change so that they are entitled to a free class. Note this would not apply once the course has started.
• In addition, a refund may be offered where personal circumstances change so that it is impossible to attend the class.

Appeals

In exceptional circumstances learners who are not eligible for fee remission can appeal, in writing to the Business Support Manager, to be considered for fee remission. Contact is.

lifelonglearning@wirral.gov.uk

Review

This policy will be reviewed annually in light of national changes in funding for Adult Learning.