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Fees are displayed in three bands A, B, C. These are inclusive of tuition and administration fees.

For courses that result in a qualification there will be additional fees to pay to cover the cost of examinations and tests. Some examination boards charge a registration fee, which will be an additional cost. Staff at your nearest centre will be able to advise you.

Please note: Learners will be expected to pay examination or test fees at the beginning of their course.

There may be other additional costs depending on the type of course such as materials and books. You can find out about these costs at your nearest centre.

• Band A   Standard fee

• Band B   Fee payable by learners holding the Derbyshire Gold Card and not in receipt of one of the benefits listed below. 

• BAND C   Fee payable by learners in receipt of one of the following income-based benefits:

  • Council tax benefit

  • Housing benefit

  • Income support

  • Jobseekers’ allowance (on courses of no more than 16 hours a week)

  • Working tax credit (with an annual household income of less than £15,050)

  • Pension credit (except learners awarded a savings credit only)

  • The unwaged dependants (as defined by the benefits agency) of those listed above

  • Learners aged 19 and over taking their first full level two programme (eg Five GCSEs grade A to C, an NVQ at level 2 or an equivalent qualification).

  • Learners aged 19 but under 25 taking their first full level three programme (eg an NVQ at level 3)

Learners claiming child tax credit only are not eligible for fee remission unless they are in receipt of one of the benefits listed above.

Learners on low incomes claiming incapacity benefit or disability living allowance can apply for Band C fee remission, only on courses with a qualification, through our learner support funds. Please note that acceptance is not automatic and the criteria for financial support will apply.

If you are claiming a reduction in fees you will be required to bring evidence of your entitlement when you enrol.

Help with course costs

To help you get back into learning we offer a variety of ways to reduce the cost on some of our courses.

• Skills for Life courses to help improve your reading, writing and maths skills are free. There may be a charge if you are taking an English for speakers of other languages course.

• Most family learning courses are free. You may need to pay a small charge for materials on some courses.

• All English and maths GCSE courses are free and if you qualify for fee Band C the examination is free as well.

• We offer a reduced fee on some vocational computer courses up to and including level two and in some circumstances our access fund can help pay the examination fees.

• All lip reading and sign language courses are free for people with a hearing impairment.

• We offer a range of free courses that count towards a first full level two or three qualification. Please ask at your nearest centre for more information

Pay by instalments

Some of our centres offer the opportunity to pay by instalments. There may be a small charge for this service - further details from your nearest centre.

Should learners be experiencing real financial hardship, then it is possible to apply for further help for payment of exam fees from the learner support funds through your nearest centre.

Learners under 19 years

We have a special policy for learners under the age of 19. Please ask at your nearest centre.

In the unlikely event of dissatisfaction with your course, let us know by the end of the third week of your course and we will refund your fees. Under certain circumstances we are able to offer a credit note. We cannot give refunds for student holidays.