Fee Information
Fee Information
Course Fees
The cost per hour of a course varies to reflect, amongst other factors, the different ways that a course is funded, the type of courses offered and the size of the class. We endeavour to provide the best quality of learning experience and acknowledge this in our course fee structure.
Please contact a member of staff about costs and possible flexible payment options. Most courses include the cost of tuition, essential materials and exams where applicable.
You are required to pay course fees according to the agreements made with the College. Your continuation on the course and future enrolments onto subsequent courses may be at risk if there are fees owed. You must pay the fees even if you decide to withdraw from a course. If you withdraw from an accredited course, the College reserves the right to ask you to pay any relevant funding that Sutton College is unable to access due to your withdrawal.
In instances where the minimum required number of learners for a course isn’t met, we will make every effort to provide alternative solutions rather than cancelling the course outright. These alternatives will prioritise both the quality of the learning experience and the viability of the program, ensuring that learners can still achieve their intended outcomes. Before any changes are made, all potential options will be thoroughly explained, discussed, and agreed upon with the learners.
English & Maths
Learners who qualify for government funding might receive full funding for English and maths courses ranging from Entry Level to Level 2 (including GCSEs), which means you will not be expected to pay any fees. Eligibility depends on prior maths and English attainment and a successful course approval assessment.
Level 3
Advanced Learner Loans are available for some courses at Level 3 and above. UK residents aged 19 or older who enrol in an eligible Level 3 or higher course with us can seek a government-funded loan to cover tuition and examination fees. The loan amount will be paid directly to the College by the Student Loans Company on your behalf.
Certain Level 3 courses qualify for funding through the Free Courses for Jobs initiative. Information regarding eligible courses and funding criteria can be obtained from the Enrolments & Customer Services team at 0208 289 4700 or via email at enrol@suttoncollege.ac.uk.
Fees & Refund Policy
Course fees are refundable solely in the event of course cancellation or premature closure by the College. Refunds will not be issued beyond the 14-day cooling-off period if you opt to withdraw from a course. Detailed policies are available on our Missions and Policies page and at all College centres.
Eligibility for Standard Fees
The standard fees advertised are applicable to those eligible for Government funding. If you do not meet the eligibility criteria, you will be charged at twice the standard tuition rate, along with materials and any exam costs.
Concessionary Fees
For those claiming a concessionary fee, valid proof of benefits or the latest payslip (dated within three months) must be presented at the time of enrolment, or within seven days if enrolling online. Failure to provide the required evidence within seven working days may result in having to pay the full fee or forfeiting your place. For enquiries regarding your status or eligibility for standard or concessionary fees, please reach out to the Enrolments & Customer Services team at 020 8289 4700.
You may be eligible to pay the reduced (concessionary) fee if you are eligible for standard fees as above and you can provide evidence that you are receiving:
- Employment & Support Allowance
- Jobseeker’s Allowance
- Income Support
- Working Tax Credit or Pension Guarantee Credit
- Housing or Council Tax Benefit
- Universal Credit
- Low income – less than national or London minimum/living wage (depending on whether you are resident in or out of London) on the assumption of a 37.5 hour contract with paid statutory holiday entitlement
- For some courses different rules apply and you will be notified of these differences on enrolment.
Transfers
There is no automatic entitlement to a transfer, as outlined in the Fees and Refund Policy. If a transfer is approved, a transfer fee of £30 will be required.
Financial Support
We recognise that there are occasions when access to some financial support may help you with your studies. If you are on a low income, you can apply for help from our Learner Support Fund (LSF) or Sutton College Support Fund. Please ask for an application form from our Enrolments & Customer Services team or see below.
Proof of eligibility is required at the time of enrolment. Financial support can assist with tuition fees, travel, childcare, and materials, subject to terms and conditions.
Flexible Payments
Arrangements are available to support flexible payments. Please contact the Enrolments & Customer Services team to ask about courses offering this option and to discuss the terms and conditions.
Loans for Level 3 & Above
Aged 19 or over? Discover a new and easy way to pay your course fees
The Advanced Learner Loan, provided by the Government, aims to alleviate the financial burden of education by enabling students to apply for a loan to cover tuition fees, similar to what is available in higher education. This initiative enables adults to access financial assistance to enhance their qualifications, thereby improving their job and life prospects.
UK residents aged 19 or older who enrol in an eligible Level 3 or higher course with us can apply for a Government-funded loan. The loan amount will be disbursed directly to the College by the Student Loans Company on your behalf, eliminating the need to pay the course fee upfront. There may still be charges for registration with awarding bodies, exam fees, and materials that need to be paid.
Repayment of the loan begins only after students have completed the course and are earning more than £27,295 annually. These loans do not undergo means testing or credit checks and are accessible regardless of the learner’s current employment status.
Applying for these loans is straightforward, with a simple online application form available once you have been accepted onto your chosen course.
The Advanced Learning Loans are for anyone who is:
- aged 19 and above at the start of their course
- Studying a Level 3 or higher course that is eligible for a loan
- Resident in the UK
- Has not previously had a loan to do the same type of qualification.
To enrol in a Level 3 or higher course, you must apply and participate in an assessment. This assessment allows us to evaluate your suitability for the course and provides you with an opportunity to learn more about the loan process. For details on how to apply, please visit our website at www.suttoncollege.ac.uk.
If you are considering applying for an Advanced Learner Loan, please click the link below for more information.
You can find more information from www.gov.uk/advanced-learner-loan – This link is where you need to proceed to apply for your loan once you have been approved.
Further information is available from the National Careers Service with links to other helpful sites.
Independent financial advice is available from the Money Advice Service
Help with Fees
The College is able to accept applications for access to funds for our courses as below.
Learner Support Fund (LSF) – funding for accredited courses up to and including Level 2 and some Level 3 courses under the Free Courses for Jobs offer.
A minimum contribution of 30% of the total cost of the standard fee will be expected from the learner. Applicants may apply for a maximum of £500 per academic year, for a maximum of two separate subjects. Funding is limited and therefore not guaranteed.
The Fund is available as follows:
Tuition and Exam fees
A contribution towards the cost of fees may be available for learners who are not eligible for fee remission, and who can provide proof of a low household income. The fees are paid directly on the learner’s behalf. Evidence of financial status will be required at the time of application in the form of up-to-date proof of salary or current account bank statement.
Childcare
Learners are required to pay the OFSTED registered child care provider directly and claim reimbursement from the College only for the days of study.
Materials, books, equipment
Learners eligible for funding may apply for reimbursement of expenses related to their course on production of receipts.
Attendance
An attendance rate of at least 90% is expected from learners who are granted LSF.
Additional information:
Learners wishing to continue the same subject for one year to the next must show progression.
It is the responsibility of the learner to advise the DWP about any learner support payments that they receive.
Eligibility Criteria
Details of the eligibility criteria are listed on the application form.
Only learners aged 19+ years are eligible for Learner Support Funds.
Education Skills Funding Agency / GLA guidance states that the Learner Support Fund is only available to adult Asylum Seekers in limited circumstances.
College Support Fund (CSF) – funding for non-accredited courses.
The College Support Fund is a limited fund available for help with tuition fees to those who can demonstrate financial hardship and that attendance on the course will improve their wellbeing. Applications are limited to a maximum of two courses in one academic year, with a maximum amount available of £100 per course. A minimum contribution of 30% of the total standard fee is expected from the student.
Funding is limited and therefore not guaranteed.
An attendance rate of at least 90% is expected from learners receiving funding.
Only learners aged 19+ years are eligible for CSF.
Advanced Learner Loan Bursary Fund (ALBF) – funding for Level 3+ courses for learners aged 19+ who have taken out an Advanced Learner Loan. The Bursary is not available to learners who have paid their own course fees.
Download the ALBF Application Form
The fully completed application form and attachments should be emailed to lsf@suttoncollege.ac.uk
For more detailed information on funding, please contact enrol@suttoncollege.ac.uk