Principles underpinning the Fees and Refund Policy
LECB aims to ensure that comprehensive guidance and accurate information regarding fees for courses is available and accessible to the public. These are the fees that will apply to all courses **
**The term ‘course fee’ refers to the tuition fee and where applicable the materials and exams fees. The term ‘tuition fee’ refers to the course cost only.
To support equality and opportunity, LECB endeavours to provide:
**The term ‘course fee’ refers to the tuition fee and where applicable the materials and exams fees. The term ‘tuition fee’ refers to the course cost only.
To support equality and opportunity, LECB endeavours to provide:
- Information and assistance in applying for financial support for course fees
- Instalment payment options are available in accordance with college procedures
- A range of information on funding, fees, bursary, and financial support
Disclaimer
The college reserves the right to change or amend, at any time, any of the course details including content, dates, times, venues, fees payable, concessions available, terms or conditions. The college also reserves the right to close, not to start any published course or change its charging policy where its costs may result in a financial loss; cancel any course where there is lack of appropriate resources; and/or refuse entry to a course on any non-discriminatory grounds.
Learner fee definitions
Residency eligibility
UK or Irish nationals or other people with a right of abode in the UK who have lived in the UK (or Ireland for Irish nationals) for at least the last 3 years will normally be eligible for public funding. Non-UK/Irish nationals should contact the College to establish their eligibility
What do we mean by fully funded?
Eligible learners can be fully funded (pay no fees) if both their personal status and their chosen course meet the qualifying criteria. These include the learner’s funding status, their age, their prior attainment, their benefits status, and the level and type of their course.
Learners undertaking GLA (London residents) or ESFA (non-London residents) funded learning aims will be entitled to full funding of their fees, subject to satisfactory evidence of status being provided at enrolment and signing necessary declarations.
Learners undertaking GLA (London residents) or ESFA (non-London residents) funded learning aims will be entitled to full funding of their fees, subject to satisfactory evidence of status being provided at enrolment and signing necessary declarations.
POUND PLUS POLICY
One of the LECB’s key aim is to deliver innovative non-accredited community learning programmes which will engage and encourage adults to move towards sustained employment, volunteering / work experience or further learning. To meet this aim, the college will endeavour to achieve “Pound Plus “by delivering the Services in accordance with the UK Government’s Pound Plus strategy (i.e., to generate additional funds or resources from income from non-government sources, resources in kind, other sources of revenue, sponsorship, or volunteering) and move towards a self-sustainable model where possible.
Pound Plus’ refers to additional income that enables the Learning and Enterprise College Bexley to improve participation in learning, in line with principles for Community Learning including fee from learners and lettings, other funding sources, resources in kind and partners’ contributions.
Pound Plus’ refers to additional income that enables the Learning and Enterprise College Bexley to improve participation in learning, in line with principles for Community Learning including fee from learners and lettings, other funding sources, resources in kind and partners’ contributions.
Fully Funded (Free) Course
Legal Entitlements
- English and maths, up to and including level 2, for individuals who have not previously attained a GCSE grade C, grade 4, or higher in the subject.
- Aged 19-23 and undertaking a first Full Level 2 or first Full Level 3 (for this category the age at which the learner starts the learning aim applies and not their age at the start of the academic year if the learner is aged over 18 as of 31st August).
- Information technology - Essential Digital Skills, up to and including level 1, for individuals aged 19 and over, who have digital skills assessed at below level 1.
Courses
Aged 19-23, learning to progress to level 2 – up to and including level 1.
Aged 19+ and:
Aged 19+ and:
Eligible asylum seekers (London residents only).
Aged 19+ and:
- receives Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA), including those receiving National Insurance credits only
- receives Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
- receives Universal Credit, and their take-home pay as recorded on their Universal Credit statement (disregarding Universal Credit payments and other benefits) is less than £345 a month (learner is sole adult in their benefit claim) or £552 a month (learner has a joint benefit claim with their partner
- released on temporary licence, studying outside a prison environment, and not funded by the Ministry of Justice
- receives other state benefits (not listed above) and their take home pay (disregarding Universal Credit payments and other benefits) is less than £345 a month (learner is sole adult in their benefit claim) or £552 a month (learner has a joint benefit claim with their partner), and wants to be employed, or progress into more sustainable employment
Aged 19+ and:
- is employed or self-employed and earns less than £23,302.50 (London residents) or £18,525 (non-London residents) as an annual gross salary on the date of the learner's learning start date
Eligible asylum seekers (London residents only).
Level 3 courses for jobs offer
Learners aged 24+ without a full level 3 or above accessing a qualification on the level 3 adult offer qualifications list. From 01 April 2022, learners who already hold a level 3 or higher and meet the definition of unemployed or in receipt of a low wage will also be fully funded.
Additionally, level 3 qualifications not on the level 3 adult offer qualifications list may be eligible for full funding for London residents aged 19+ who are unemployed or in receipt of a low wage.
Additionally, level 3 qualifications not on the level 3 adult offer qualifications list may be eligible for full funding for London residents aged 19+ who are unemployed or in receipt of a low wage.
London residents only
Subject to sufficient demand.
Learners whose first or preferred language is British Sign Language (BSL), or who cannot access spoken language because of their deafness and would benefit from BSL, to study for qualifications in BSL, up to and including level 2.
Upskilling of teaching staff to deliver improved specialist provision for learners with SEND.
Learners whose first or preferred language is British Sign Language (BSL), or who cannot access spoken language because of their deafness and would benefit from BSL, to study for qualifications in BSL, up to and including level 2.
Upskilling of teaching staff to deliver improved specialist provision for learners with SEND.
Co-funded Learners
The section below sets out the definition of Co-funded Learner:
- Home Students over 18, studying funding agency funded learning aims below Level 3, who do not meet any of the fully funded criteria.
- Some Home Students, dependent on age, benefits status, and course, will be charged fees. These students are referred to as ‘co-funded’ because the funding agency pays the college the remainder of the full funding value. Fees for examinations and materials will be an additional charge referred to as the ‘course fee’.
Advanced Learner Loans
For learners who have a full level 3 and above qualification and are aged 19-23 as at their start date and for those aged 24 or over, there is no AEB funding available and the full cost fee must be paid either via an Advanced Learner loan, directly or a combination of both.
If a course is eligible for an Advanced Learner loan, the loan value will be set at the maximum weighted value, but it is not compulsory for a student to take a loan and the student can pay their fees direct to the College.
The total full cost fees will not exceed the advanced loan fee charged.
If a course is eligible for an Advanced Learner loan, the loan value will be set at the maximum weighted value, but it is not compulsory for a student to take a loan and the student can pay their fees direct to the College.
The total full cost fees will not exceed the advanced loan fee charged.
Community Learning and full cost courses
Fees for all community learner courses (courses that are subsidized by the community learning grant) are determined at a minimum of £6.00 per hour unless they are family learning or community outreach courses which are free depending on eligibility.
Fees for all full cost courses (courses that do not attract any funding) will be determined at a minimum of £9.00 per hour, are subject to market conditions and be priced in line with competitors. No fee reduction is available for these courses.
There may be additional charges for materials for some courses and there is no fee reduction is available for these courses.
Fees for all full cost courses (courses that do not attract any funding) will be determined at a minimum of £9.00 per hour, are subject to market conditions and be priced in line with competitors. No fee reduction is available for these courses.
There may be additional charges for materials for some courses and there is no fee reduction is available for these courses.
Fee Refund
LECB will allow a learner a 14-day cooling off period, this period starts from the day the learner is enrolled onto the LECB system and not from the start date of their course.
During this period, the learner will have the right to cancel the course within 14 days providing it is 48 hours before the start date to obtain a full refund.
Once the cooling off period has expired there is no obligation on LECB to make any refund unless this is due to service failure.
During this period, the learner will have the right to cancel the course within 14 days providing it is 48 hours before the start date to obtain a full refund.
Once the cooling off period has expired there is no obligation on LECB to make any refund unless this is due to service failure.
Course Cancellation
LECB will refund fees in full:
- If a course is closed in the first two weeks of starting or cancelled before it starts.
- If LECB cancels a learner’s course(s) prior to start date and LECB is unable to provide a suitable alternative.
- If LECB changes a course venue, dates or times and the alternative offered is unsuitable for the learner.
Refunds relating to transfer
Learners will be able to transfer without any additional fees if this arrangement has been made by LECB. If it is by the request of the learner; they will be liable to pay any additional fees relating to the new course plus the standard charge of a £15 transfer fee. If a learner transfers to a course that is of less value, they will be refunded the difference after a deduction of a £15 transfer fee.
Payment for a course cannot be transferred to another person i.e., if a learner is unable to attend the course the course fees cannot be transferred to another person at their request.
Payment for a course cannot be transferred to another person i.e., if a learner is unable to attend the course the course fees cannot be transferred to another person at their request.
Refunds for re-scheduled class
LECB may reschedule a class due to unforeseen circumstances, in this case arrangements will be made to suit the class and the availability of suitable accommodation.
LECB reserves the right to deliver 20% of sessions remotely if necessary or due to staff absence to avoid rescheduling a class.
A learner can request a refund to the value of the session/s missed in circumstances where a rearranged class is not convenient for them to attend. The request must be made within 60 calendar days of the rescheduled class.
LECB reserves the right to deliver 20% of sessions remotely if necessary or due to staff absence to avoid rescheduling a class.
A learner can request a refund to the value of the session/s missed in circumstances where a rearranged class is not convenient for them to attend. The request must be made within 60 calendar days of the rescheduled class.
Extenuating Circumstances
The learner must complete the refund application form to apply for a refund stating the reason with supporting evidence where applicable. Any request for a refund must be made within 60 calendar days from the last date of attending the course. Every refund application is assessed on an individual basis by the Principal/Vice Principal, taking into consideration appropriate documentation submitted by the learner.
Refund method
The learner must complete a refund application form in all instances. If the learner has paid by debit or with credit card, the amount due will be refunded to the card. If the learner has paid cash, then the payment may be refunded by bank transfer. The bank transfer refund method should be agreed between the learner and LECB and in conjunction with the LECB financial procedures **. LECB no longer processes refunds by cheque.
The college will aim to process refunds with 28 days of the receipt of the refund application form.
LECB learner who has a current debt with the college will not be refunded until the outstanding debt has been cleared.
The college will aim to process refunds with 28 days of the receipt of the refund application form.
LECB learner who has a current debt with the college will not be refunded until the outstanding debt has been cleared.
Fee Payment
Fees are payable in full at the time of enrolment for all courses unless learners meet the eligibility criteria for fee reduction for co - funded or fully funded status. We offer payment by instalments and advanced learner loans to learners who qualify
Learners who are unable to meet the full costs of tuition fees and meet specific eligibility criteria may be able to get assistance from the Bursary/Discretionary/Learner Support Funds. This does not apply to community learning and full cost courses. Learners can access information online at https://www.lecb.ac.uk/financial-support
Learners who are unable to meet the full costs of tuition fees and meet specific eligibility criteria may be able to get assistance from the Bursary/Discretionary/Learner Support Funds. This does not apply to community learning and full cost courses. Learners can access information online at https://www.lecb.ac.uk/financial-support
Payment by instalments
Following enrolment, learners are liable for the full cost of the course. Payment plans by instalment and standing order method are subject to a £15 admin fee upon enrolment. Please note that the setup of the payment plans will involve completing and signing a form to authorise payment and if applicable, a separate form for each eligible course will need to be completed. Forms are available from the College’s centres and the website. Please note that in the event that LECB cancels or closes a course, it is the learner’s responsibility to cancel the standing order mandate with the bank.
Payment of fees can be made by instalments for courses with tuition fees greater than £400 and with a duration of at least 10 weeks. Courses under 10 weeks and under £400 are not eligible for payment by instalment.
For courses with tuition fees above £400 and a duration of at least 10 weeks, 33.33% (1/3) must be paid upfront with the remaining amount due is split over a maximum of two consecutive monthly payments.
For courses with tuition fees above £400 and a duration of at least 12 weeks, 25% must be paid upfront with the remaining amount due is split over a maximum of three consecutive monthly payments.
For courses with tuition fees above £2,000, 25% must be paid upfront with the remaining amount due is split over a maximum of six consecutive monthly payments.
Payment of fees can be made by instalments for courses with tuition fees greater than £400 and with a duration of at least 10 weeks. Courses under 10 weeks and under £400 are not eligible for payment by instalment.
For courses with tuition fees above £400 and a duration of at least 10 weeks, 33.33% (1/3) must be paid upfront with the remaining amount due is split over a maximum of two consecutive monthly payments.
For courses with tuition fees above £400 and a duration of at least 12 weeks, 25% must be paid upfront with the remaining amount due is split over a maximum of three consecutive monthly payments.
For courses with tuition fees above £2,000, 25% must be paid upfront with the remaining amount due is split over a maximum of six consecutive monthly payments.
Payment through Advanced Learner Loans
A learner is liable for full tuition fee in event that the student loan company rejects the loan application or where the loan offer is not accepted. In such instance, a payment commitment and payment plan must be agreed prior to the start of the course. If a learner does not attend the course, all fees owed must be recovered.
If the learner is awaiting confirmation of the loan approval from the Student Loans Company, LECB will allow a period of a month, after which the learner will be required to pay 50% of the fees due. This will be refunded upon confirmation of the loan approval.
Please note that LECB reserves the right to withdraw the use of standing orders and instalment plans from learners who have previously defaulted on payments.
If the learner is awaiting confirmation of the loan approval from the Student Loans Company, LECB will allow a period of a month, after which the learner will be required to pay 50% of the fees due. This will be refunded upon confirmation of the loan approval.
Please note that LECB reserves the right to withdraw the use of standing orders and instalment plans from learners who have previously defaulted on payments.
STAFF DISCOUNT
There will be a 20% discount for all staff (including London Borough of Bexley Council staff) on courses offered by LECB. The discount will be available for the tuition fee only. Any additional costs e.g., materials, exams etc. will be payable in full. Staff can only access the staff discount after completing their first full year of service.
Examination fees
Examination fees are payable with tuition fees. Learner’s retaking examinations may be charged the examination retake fee and an additional administration fee of £30. Where applicable this will be payable prior to the examination entry.
EARLY WITHDRAWAL FROM /LATE START ON FUNDED COURSES
All learners (including non-starters) on funded accredited courses who withdraw before the end of the course will be charged the course fee. Learners who are paying by instalments or who are funding their course by an Advanced Learner Loan will also be subject to paying the full fee at the point of withdrawal.
FEE REDUCTIONS
There is no reduction in fees for those learners who join a course late. The full fee applies in all circumstances.
SANCTIONS AGAINST NON-PAYMENT OF FEES
If a learner has an outstanding debt, this must be paid in full before enrolling on another course. If fees are due:
The learner will not be allowed to continue the course until the debt is paid but LECB will take reasonable steps to advise and support learners in financial difficulty. Failure to pay agreed monies in line with arrangements will, in most cases, result in suspension or withdrawal from the course.
- The learner will not be re-enrolled on any further courses
- No refund will be made to a learner in debt with LECB
- Exam certificates will not be issued until debt is paid in full
The learner will not be allowed to continue the course until the debt is paid but LECB will take reasonable steps to advise and support learners in financial difficulty. Failure to pay agreed monies in line with arrangements will, in most cases, result in suspension or withdrawal from the course.
Discretionary/Learner Support Fund
Learners who are unable to meet the full costs of tuition fees and meet specific eligibility criteria may be able to get assistance from the Discretionary/Learner Support Funds. This does not apply to community learning and full cost courses. Learners can access information online at Financial Support.
