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Frequently Asked Questions
General
When is the College Open to speak to someone in person?
Term time:
Monday: 9am - 5pm
Tuesday and Thursday: 9am – 7:45pm
Friday: 9am – 5pm
Out of term time:
Monday – Friday: 10am – 3pm
Monday: 9am - 5pm
Tuesday and Thursday: 9am – 7:45pm
Friday: 9am – 5pm
Out of term time:
Monday – Friday: 10am – 3pm
Do you have parking facilities?
The College has a limited number of parking spaces, including disabled parking at each site. Enrolment on a course does not guarantee you a parking space. Parking is on the usual first-come, first-served basis. The College cannot accept responsibility for cars or personal possessions left in the car parks.
Car parks may be closed during extreme weather conditions.
Car parks may be closed during extreme weather conditions.
How do I get in touch?
Call us on 020 3045 5176 or email [email protected]
Do you have a canteen?
The Brampton college has a canteen, Sidcup does not, however, it has food outlets nearby.
Will you contact us if our class is cancelled during adverse weather?
Where possible learners will be contacted by text/email.
Please note - Extreme circumstances may mean the information is not immediately available or up to date, in which case please use your discretion.
Please note - Extreme circumstances may mean the information is not immediately available or up to date, in which case please use your discretion.
Do you have disabled access?
Brampton Road has a lift to enable access to the higher floor with disabled access. If you have any special requirement, we will do our utmost to assist you. To discuss specific needs, refer to the Learner Support Manager at [email protected].
Do you have any career advisors I can speak to?
We have Information, Advice and Guidance advisors based at our Brampton Road centre who can help with CV Writing and Interview techniques.
I have seen/been told you provide free counselling and support for welfare issues for learners, can you give me more details?
Contact Ros Shaw, Grant, Welfare and Counselling officer by phone on 020 3045 3603, e-mail: [email protected] or leave a message with one of the reception staff with your contact details.
CAN I ENROL AFTER THE COURSE HAS STARTED?
You are usually able to enrol late for most courses but this is dependent on the type and length of courses, we cannot guarantee that places will be available to late applicants. Please contact us at [email protected] or come to reception to discuss.
Payments and Fees
Can I pay by Direct Debit/Instalments?
We currently have a standing order payment plan (4 x equal payments). This requires a form to be signed off by learners (in person) together with the first payment (inclusive of any set-up fee) and a signed/dated Standing Order Form is sent to the Finance team who monitor payments and send forms to the bank.
How does setting up a standing order work?
Standing Orders are available for single courses over 12 weeks and costing over £150.00
I enrolled on a course and am paying by standing order, is it possible to change my bank details?
It is possible, but we would require a new signed, Standing Order form. It is the learner’s responsibility to cancel the original Standing Order, but not before a new one has been set up – start date to be agreed.
Are the exam fees included in the full fee of the course?
Generally, the cost of the examination, registration (with the awarding body), and administration will be included in the course fees. However, there are some exceptions: please read the description of your course carefully – this will tell you whether there are any additional costs to pay. All examination, accreditation and administration fees are non-refundable.
Can you tell me about an advanced learner loan/ Professional and Career Development Loans?
Professional and Career Development Loans are bank loans to pay for courses and training that help with your career or help get you into work. Please note these are only available for levels 3 and above. You only start paying back the loan once you are working and earning above £25,000 a year.
Loans are usually offered at a reduced interest rate and the government pays interest while you're studying. For more information go to www.gov.uk/career-development-loans/overview
Loans are usually offered at a reduced interest rate and the government pays interest while you're studying. For more information go to www.gov.uk/career-development-loans/overview
Online Enrolment
Can I enrol online?
No – You can apply online, once you application is submitted you will be contacted by a member of the enrolment team our website at http://www.lecb.ac.uk or contact us by email or telephone. Please note if your course requires an Initial Assessment, you will need to attend a face-to-face assessment before you are able to enrol.
Enrolment/Course
How can I enrol?
You can apply online, once you application is submitted you will be contacted by a member of the enrolment team our website at http://www.lecb.ac.uk or contact us by email or telephone. Please note that this may be subject to an Initial Assessment. See above.
I live out of the borough can I still enrol?
Yes, we welcome learners from anywhere within the United Kingdom!
Are there any further details available for a particular course?
Course outlines provide more specialist advice.
When can I visit the College
You can visit on our open days, the next Open Day is on Saturday 7th September 2024 between 10am to 2pm or you can come into the college during the opening hours, ask at reception.
When should I enrol for my course?
You should enrol as soon as possible or at least 4 weeks before the start of your course to avoid disappointment as a result of the course being full or cancelled due to low numbers.
Initial Assessment
I am not happy with my IA result and would like to resit?
We can rebook you for the resit, please come reception or contact the enquires team and we will discuss this with you.
I already hold qualifications, so do I need to sit an initial assessment?
If you hold GCSE’s in both Maths and English at Grade C or above in the last 5 years, or equivalent, then you may be exempt from sitting the assessment. However, some courses still require you to sit an IA and interview before enrolment. Proof of qualifications will be required.
Withdrawals/Transfers
I want to withdraw from my course – can I cancel my standing order?
Fees are still payable even if you withdraw from your course, therefore you should not cancel your standing order. Outstanding fees will be pursued.
Am I entitled to a refund?
Please refer to the refund policy.
Can I transfer from one course to another?
You may transfer from one course to another, if a transfer is possible then there is a £15 transfer fee for each transfer requested, plus any additional fees.
What happens if the course I transfer to costs less?
If the course costs less, unfortunately, the difference in fees is not refundable. Please refer to the College's refund policy.
Learning Agreements
What is a Learning Agreement?
A Learning Agreement (LA) is a document you sign to confirm your information in order for us to obtain funding for the course you are enrolling on to. It is also a contract to confirm you will adhere to the rules of the college and in return what we provide you.
How do I sign my LA?
If you enrolled online or via the phone, you will be sent over an email with a link to log in and confirm your details, please make sure you check your junk email. If you do not receive an email within the hour, please email us at [email protected] to look into this. You will need to sign this on or before your first day of learning to enable you to go to your lesson.
If you enrol face-to-face, you will be provided the Learning Agreement via an electronic device, you will need to sign this and hand the device back to the reception team.
If you enrol face-to-face, you will be provided the Learning Agreement via an electronic device, you will need to sign this and hand the device back to the reception team.
Health and Safety
Fire Drills
Fire drills are held termly, and an alarm test is held every Tuesday at 10.30am, and last for approximatively 30 seconds. Please make yourself familiar with the nearest escape route and the designated assembly point.
Evacuation plans are displayed in prominent positions around all College sites. Please be aware of emergency procedures and fire exits. If you have a disability, please contact the Learner Support Manager so that we can arrange a Personal Emergency Evacuation Plan (PEEPS).
Evacuation plans are displayed in prominent positions around all College sites. Please be aware of emergency procedures and fire exits. If you have a disability, please contact the Learner Support Manager so that we can arrange a Personal Emergency Evacuation Plan (PEEPS).
First Aid and mental aid first aid
Centres have designated first aiders, ask reception or any member of staff.
We also have trained Mental Health First Aiders on site; they are identifiable by a badge on their staff lanyards. If you would like to speak to someone, please contact reception or email Ros Shaw, [email protected]
We also have trained Mental Health First Aiders on site; they are identifiable by a badge on their staff lanyards. If you would like to speak to someone, please contact reception or email Ros Shaw, [email protected]
Incidents
All incidents and accidents must be reported to any member of staff so that they can be recorded.
Medical Fitness
Learners must ensure that they are medically fit before enrolling on a course, which involves physical activities. Learners undertake such courses at their own risk and are required to complete a declaration of fItness at their first session. A learner may be prevented from participating in the class until the GP consent has been received.
Exams
What is the appeal procedure if I am not happy with my exam results?
This week Ofqual and the Joint Council for Qualifications (JCQ) have published their guidance for appeals in 2021.
There will be a two-stage appeals process, as follows:
Learners will be able to request a centre review, and once that has been concluded may proceed to an awarding organisation appeal (if they wish to).
We are yet to confirm any associated fees regarding our appeals services. We will keep you updated as soon as this information is confirmed and available.
- The Joint Council for Qualifications (JCQ): A Guide to Appeals Processes - Summer 2021
- Ofqual: Statutory guidance: appeals under the GQAA regulatory framework
There will be a two-stage appeals process, as follows:
- Stage One - Centre Review (this must be completed before moving to Stage Two)
- Stage Two - Awarding Organisation Appeal
Learners will be able to request a centre review, and once that has been concluded may proceed to an awarding organisation appeal (if they wish to).
We are yet to confirm any associated fees regarding our appeals services. We will keep you updated as soon as this information is confirmed and available.
CAN I RESIT AN EXAM?
This will be on a case by case basis and this may be subject to an administration fee, please ask to speak with the exams officer to discuss further.
when will my Examinations/accreditation certificates be released?
Examinations/accreditation certificates will be released only if all fees/costs have been received.
GCSE AND AS LEVELS DATES
Examination dates for GCSE and AS Levels are fixed by the Exam Boards and cannot be changed. For queries about examination, entries or results please contact the exams office [email protected]
Comments/Compliments /Complaints
I am not happy with my course or the service I have received, who do I contact?
Please contact or tutor or the department providing the service in the first instance, if you are not satisfied with the response, you can then use the formal complaints procedure. The first stage is to put the complaint in writing, you can do this via our website alternatively, email [email protected] or forward to Sophie Bowen, Quality Assurance Manager.
My tutor was excellent, I really enjoyed my course and the office/canteen/caretaking staff were so helpful who can I tell?
You can do this via our website alternatively, email [email protected] or forward to Sophie Bowen, Quality Assurance Manager.
