If you require a copy of this Policy in any other format, please contact enquiries@TSCG.ac.uk with your specific accessible requirements and we will send you a modified copy.
| Author | Chief Finance Officer |
| Version Date | March 2026 |
| Reviewed and recommended by | Resources Committee |
| Approved By | Board of the Corporation |
| Approved Date | 29 April 2026 |
| Effective Date | 1 August 2026 |
| Next Review | April 2027 |
| Publication | Internal and External |
1. Introduction
2. Fees and Charges Disclaimer
3. Young People in Full or Part-Time Education
4. Adults in Full or Part-Time Education up to Level 3 (DfE)
5. Adults in Full or Part-Time Education up to Level 3 (GMCA)
6. Apprenticeships
7. Higher Education
8. Commercial / Full Cost Activity
9. International Students
10. Financial Assistance / Support for Students
11. Payment Methods
12. Non-Payment of Fees
13. Refunds
14. Refunds – extenuating circumstances
Appendix 1: Government Contributions (DFE)
Appendix 2: Government Contributions (GMCA)
Appendix 3: Higher Education fees
A. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/advice-funding-regulations-for-post-16-provision
B. https://www.gov.uk/guidance/16-to-19-funding-maths-and-english-condition-of-funding
C. https://www.gov.uk/advanced-learner-loan
D. https://www.greatermanchester-ca.gov.uk/what-we-do/work-and-skills/adult-skills-fund
E. https://www.gov.uk/guidance/apprenticeship-funding-rules
F. https://www.ukcisa.org.uk/student-advice/fees/know-the-basics-for-he-england/
G. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/free-meals-in-further-education-guide
H. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/adult-skills-fund-funding-rules
1.1 Trafford & Stockport College Group’s (TSCG) approach to setting and collecting course fees and associated charges is reviewed on an annual basis and approved by the Governing Body.
1.2 This Policy is intended to act as a single reference source for course and associated fees, payment arrangements, financial support and remission rules for this year to ensure a consistent and transparent approach of clear guidance on fees and charges. The content of this policy should be used as the main source of guidance for students, parents, employers, curriculum staff, student support staff and enrolment staff.
1.3 This Policy details how TSCG will apply course fees and remission arrangements which are largely dictated by its principal funding bodies. Course fees are usually determined by either the student age and/or the characteristics of the course. Students and courses are classified into one of the following groups:
1.4 In exceptional circumstances, Directors of Curriculum or Vice/Assistant Principals may seek approval from the Executive Leadership Team (ELT), to set fees outside of the Policy prior to commencement of the course, or to waive or amend the requirements for specific individual learner circumstances.
1.5 A course fee and charges file will be produced annually and updated at individual course level by the Management Information Services (MIS) department. This file will be used to inform the published prospectus and enrolment information.
1.6 All TSCG staff are reminded that failure to comply with this policy constitutes a breach of Financial Regulations, and as such may be a disciplinary matter.
2.1 TSCG reserves the right to change or amend, at any time, any of the course details including content, dates, times, venues, fees payable, remissions available and terms or conditions. TSCG also reserves the right to close or not to commence any previously published course at short notice.
2.2 It is the student’s responsibility to provide information that is both accurate and complete at enrolment to ensure that correct decisions are made in relation to fees.
2.3 All web links are correct at the time of publication.
3.1 This section applies to the Department for Education (DfE) 16–19 funding conditions for provision to students who meet both the student eligibility requirements set out in the DfE Funding Guidance for young people aged 16 to 19 or aged 19 to 24 and have an Education Health and Care plan (EHCP).
3.2 Further information can be found on the website referenced A on page 2.
3.3 In accordance with DfE Funding Guidance, the College does not charge tuition fees to students aged 16–18 in full time or part-time education funded by the DfE. For the purposes of the funding agreement and this document, ’18’ means ‘under 19 on 31 August in the teaching year when the student commences a study programme’.
3.4 Depending upon the requirements of their study programme, 16–18 students may be required to pay for specialist course materials and/or clothing/equipment they wish to retain for use outside of the course, photocopying and printing, or trips/visits that are not an integral part of their study programme.
3.5 TSCG is entitled to and will only charge examination or registration fees to 16–18 students or 19–24 students with an EHCP in circumstances where the required attendance or completion of work has not been achieved, or the student fails without good reason to sit the examination for which TSCG has paid. Charges may also be levied where a student re-sits an examination resulting from an initial examination failure or where a learner re-sits an exam with the aim of achieving marginal improvements in grades.
3.5.1 In most cases TSCG will cover the costs of the first attempt and one resit for examinations. If a student wishes to have a third or more attempt, candidates will be required to pay the resit charge on each additional attempt. All resits and start times and dates will be agreed by the subject tutor.
3.6 Students must study maths and/or English as part of their programme in each academic year. This applies to students:
3.7 Further information can be found at the website referenced B on page 2.
4.1 The DfE sets out a number of legal entitlements to free education and training for adults aged 19 and over, delivered through the Adult Skills Fund (ASF). These entitlements are intended to ensure that adults can access essential education that supports employability, progression, and participation in society. The college ensures eligible learners can access these entitlements free of charge where the criteria are met.
4.2 Adults aged 19 and over are entitled to fully funded study in English and mathematics up to Level 2 if they have not previously achieved a GCSE grade 4/C or above (or an equivalent qualification) in these subjects. This entitlement includes GCSEs, Functional Skills qualifications and other approved stepping-stone qualifications. The aim is to support adults to develop the literacy and numeracy skills required for work, further study and everyday life.
4.3 Adults aged 19–23 are entitled to study their first full Level 2 qualification free of charge if they have not previously achieved a full qualification at this level. In addition, individuals within this age group are entitled to fully funded study towards their first full Level 3 qualification. These entitlements support progression to higher-level technical training, higher education and skilled employment.
4.4 The DfE also provides a legal entitlement to Essential Digital Skills training for adults aged 19 and over who have digital skills below Level 1. This enables eligible learners to study approved digital qualifications up to Level 1 free of charge. The entitlement aims to ensure that adults can develop the core digital capabilities needed to participate effectively in modern workplaces and daily life.
4.5 Courses up to Level 2 are open to students from all age groups. However, DfE funding for tuition fees will only be provided in relation to specific age groups, previous achievement and economic circumstances at the date the course commences. Eligibility for DfE full and co-funding is given in Appendix 1.
4.6 The DfE will only fund students aged 19–23 with a legal entitlement to study for a first full Level 3 qualification, as detailed in the DfE’s ASF Funding Rules. Students who do not meet the eligibility criteria are required to pay the tuition fee set out and published by TSCG in full. Examination/registration fees, examination re-sits, materials and visits/trips can incur an additional fee if applicable.
4.7 Students may be eligible for an Advanced Learner Loan from the Student Loans Company (SLC) to pay all or part of their fees. Advanced Learner Loans will be paid directly to the College by the SLC. Further information can be found at the website referenced C on page 2.
4.8 For ESOL provision, students that are aged 19 and over on the day they start their course will be fully funded if they are unemployed, or on a low wage, as per the definition set out in the ASF funding guidance. All other learners that are aged 19 and over on the day they start their course are co-funded by the DfE, and TSCG will charge a fee for this provision.
4.9 TSCG has a contract for Tailored Learning which is provided through the DfE and GMCA.
4.10 Tailored Learning at TSCG replaces both Community Learning and non-regulated provision and is specifically designed for learners furthest from employment. The College will waive fees for learners who are unemployed and/or earning below the earnings threshold as outlined in the Adult Skills Funding/GMCA Guidance. Learners who do not meet the ASF remission criteria will be charged a fee for Tailored Learning at a rate of £11.00 per hour. Tailored Learning qualification aims categorised as Essential Skills at levels pre-entry, Entry, level 1, and level 2 in English, ESOL, Essential Digital Skills, and Maths will not be charged.
4.11 The devolution of adult education functions to specified combined authorities and the Mayor of London will apply in relation to the academic year from 1 August 2019. The following Combined Authorities will exercise, in relation to their area, certain adult education functions of the Secretary of State under the Apprenticeships, Skills, Children and Learning Act 2009:
4.12 As a result of the above changes, the content and requirements set out in this section only apply to:
5.1.1 At The Trafford and Stockport College Group (TSCG), courses at Entry Level and Level 1 may be fully funded for learners who live within the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) area where they are unemployed, economically inactive, or earning below £25,000 per year. This applies to qualifications that fall within the local flexibility provision approved by GMCA.
5.1.2 Where learners do not meet the eligibility criteria for full funding, the course will normally be co-funded, meaning the learner will be required to contribute towards the tuition fees.
5.2.1 Learners studying at Level 2 at TSCG may receive full funding where they are unemployed, economically inactive, or earning below £25,000 per year, in line with funding arrangements agreed with GMCA.
5.2.2 Adults aged 19 and over who live in Greater Manchester and have not previously achieved a full Level 2 qualification may also access fully funded provision where they enrol on a qualification included within the Level 2 legal entitlement or within GMCA’s locally approved Level 2 offer.
5.2.3 Learners who do not meet these eligibility requirements will normally be co-funded and required to pay a proportion of the course fee.
5.3.1 For courses at Level 3, GMCA may fully fund Greater Manchester residents studying qualifications included on the GMCA Combined Level 3 Approved Qualification List where the learner is unemployed, economically inactive, or earning below the GMCA income threshold of £32,200. GMCA may also fully fund learners who are undertaking their first or second Level 3 qualification from the approved list.
5.3.2 In addition, learners aged 19–23 who have not previously achieved a full Level 3 qualification may access fully funded study under the Level 3 legal entitlement, where the qualification is included on the approved entitlement list.
5.3.3 Where learners do not meet the criteria for full funding, they will normally be required to pay the full tuition fee. Eligible learners may apply for financial support through an Advanced Learner Loan from the Student Loans Company, which can cover all or part of the course cost. Where approved, the loan is paid directly to TSCG by the Student Loans Company.
5.4 Further information regarding the Greater Manchester Combined Authority devolved ASF
budget can be found at the website referenced D on page 2.
5.5 Detailed Funding Rules for the GMCA can be found at the website referenced D on page 2.
5.6 GMCA will fully fund any resident aged 19+ whose first language is British Sign Language to study for a first qualification in BSL up to and including level 2, where there is no other appropriate source of funding available (such as an Education Health and Care Plan).
5.7 GMCA will fully fund any resident aged 19+, regardless of their employment status and other prior attainment, to obtain a recognised qualification at level 2 in Digital Skills.
5.8 GMCA will fully fund ESOL provision, subject to any eligibility exclusions, for those residents who are unemployed but not claiming any benefits, and/or not allowed to look for work.
5.9 To be funded by GMCA, on the first day of learning a resident must be aged 19 or older on 31st August within the 2026/27 funding year. All individuals aged 19 or over on 31st August who are continuing a programme they began while aged 16 to 18 (’19+ continuers’) will be funded through the DfE’s young people’s funding methodology.
6.1 An apprenticeship is a paid job combined with a structured programme of training and assessment designed to develop the knowledge, skills and behaviours required for occupational competence. Apprentices must be employed in a role that provides meaningful work and enables them to achieve the requirements of the relevant apprenticeship standard.
6.2 Apprenticeship training delivered by TSCG is funded through the Apprenticeship Service, which is managed by the UK Government. Both levy-paying and non-levy paying employers access apprenticeship funding through this digital service. Employers that do not pay the apprenticeship levy can reserve funding through the Apprenticeship Service or may receive a transfer of levy funds from another employer.
6.3 Employers with an annual pay bill of more than £3 million are required to pay the Apprenticeship Levy. Levy contributions are paid to HMRC and are then made available in the employer’s Apprenticeship Service account to fund apprenticeship training and assessment. Where sufficient funds are available in the employer’s account, these funds are used to pay for apprenticeship training delivered by TSCG.
6.4 If an employer does not have sufficient funds available in their account, apprenticeship training is funded through a co-investment arrangement between the employer and the Government. Under current rules, the employer contributes 5% of the agreed training and assessment cost, with the Government funding the remaining 95%, up to the maximum value of the relevant funding band. Any training costs agreed above the funding band maximum must be met in full by the employer.
6.5 In some circumstances the Government will fund 100% of the apprenticeship training costs, up to the funding band limit. This applies to employers with fewer than 50 employees where, on the first day of the apprenticeship, the apprentice is either:
6.6 All apprenticeships must have a minimum duration of 12 months. The final length and content of the programme will reflect the requirements of the apprenticeship standard and will take account of any relevant prior learning or experience. Where prior learning reduces the training required, this may also affect the overall duration and negotiated price of the apprenticeship.
6.7 The total price agreed with the employer must include the cost of End-Point Assessment (EPA) delivered by an approved End-Point Assessment Organisation selected by the employer. EPA costs form part of the overall negotiated training price and are reported through the Individualised Learner Record (ILR). Any additional costs associated with EPA re-takes or re-sits, where these are required due to failure or non-attendance and are not the result of a provider error, will normally be the responsibility of the employer.
6.8 The agreed training price and any employer contributions will be documented within the apprenticeship agreement and training plan at the point of enrolment.
7.1 TSCG is registered with OfS (Office for Students) and has directly funded courses for which fees have been agreed and loan facilities can be accessed directly through the Student Loans Company (SLC). The courses offered include Higher Nationals (HNC/HND), Foundation Degrees and Teacher Training.
7.2 For full-time and part-time higher education courses in this year, the fee level is shown in Appendix 3.
7.3 TSCG may offer full cost higher education to employers as closed courses, separately to the higher education loan funded offer. In this case, a full cost fee will be determined using full cost model rates. In these cases, the learners and employers would be ineligible for SLC tuition loans and would be subject to full fee payment by the College.
7.4 The fee for full-time students is deemed to be payable by the learner unless they have full or part sponsorship from the Student Finance England (SFE), evidenced by a financial assessment letter showing the contribution to be paid by the SFE.
7.5 In certain circumstances SFE evidence may not be available at enrolment in which case written evidence of an application being made to the SFE is accepted, as an interim measure. All students that do not have a financial assessment letter will be required to sign a disclaimer stating that should SFE funding not be approved the learner will be liable for all HE fees due.
7.6 Students whose fees are being paid by their employer must supply written confirmation of sponsorship at enrolment. The confirmation must be on TSCG headed paper, be unconditional, state the name of the student and course, and signed by an authorised signatory (not the student). Where students’ fees are paid by an employer sponsor, the student would be ineligible for a SLC loan and full payment would be due from the sponsor.
7.7 TSCG reserves the right to recover the balance of fees due for the entire learning programme in certain circumstances.
8.1 All full cost course fees in this year will be evaluated with particular reference to competitor fees, market intelligence and value for money.
8.2 Commercial / full cost students who, through their own choice, have failed to complete their learning programme within the agreed period will be required to pay any additional costs associated with any awarded extension. Charges will normally be based on full cost rates but may be varied at the discretion of the Executive Leadership team.
9.1 International students are not eligible for funding from either OfS or the DfE. The Group does not currently have the ability to support sponsored international students. All other students, who have the right to live and study in the UK but do not have access to public funding, will pay international student fees as follows:
10.1 Financial assistance information is correct at the time of printing and all staff should check with the Student Services team for the most up to date information on financial assistance and support for students.
10.2 TSCG may be able to provide assistance to students suffering financial difficulties or hardship. This does not provide a grant to live on but can help with costs such as travel to College, books and equipment. Eligibility criteria apply in most cases.
10.3 For students aged 16–18 at the start of their learning programme and living in care, a recent care leaver or living independently on income support, a bursary may be available through the vulnerable bursary fund depending on eligibility criteria. Students requiring support should be referred to the Student Services Team for further information.
10.4 Students following higher education programmes are entitled to apply for loans and grants to support with fee payments. In addition, there are also Maintenance loans and grants available for full-time students which are means tested, to assist with living costs. Students requiring support should be referred to the Student Services Team for further information.
10.5 For students aged 19+ starting on a DfE 16–19 funded programme, Advanced Learning Loans (for those learners aged 19+ starting Level 3 programmes only) and bursaries are available to support with costs associated with being in education. Students requiring support should be referred to the Student Services Team for further information.
10.6 Students under the age of 20 at the start of their learning programme, returning to education and have a low household income may be entitled to financial assistance through the Care to Learn Scheme. This scheme supports payments towards childcare with a registered or Ofsted approved child-minder or nursery setting. Students requiring support should be referred to the Student Services Team for further information.
10.7 For students requiring Additional Learning Support (ALS), funds are available within the College to ensure additional support can be provided by qualified staff. Specific eligibility rules apply for ALS so learners requiring additional learning support should be referred to the Student Services Team for further information.
10.8 The DfE provides limited funds to support eligible students with free meals, paying for one meal per day, for each day the student attends their learning programme throughout this year. Specific eligibility rules apply for free meal assistance so students requiring support should be referred to the Student Services Team for further information.
10.9 Additional information can be found at the website referenced G on page 2.
11.1 All fees become payable on the completion of an enrolment form either by the student or sponsor unless the learner is entitled to full fee remission. Payment of fees may be made by credit or debit card, cash or cheque, and in the case of instalments, by direct debit or student loan.
11.2 Where the course duration is 6 weeks or less, regardless of cost, students must pay in full at the time of enrolment. Where the total fee is over £200, payment may be made by direct debit and must be completed at the time of enrolment.
11.3 Where the fee is £200 or more and the course is more than 6 weeks in duration, students can pay a 25% deposit at enrolment followed by monthly instalments dependent upon the total fee charge up to a maximum of six-monthly instalments as detailed in the following table.
| Total fee payable | Number of instalments after 25% deposit paid |
|---|---|
| £200 – £499 | Deposit plus further 2 instalments |
| £500 – £999 | Deposit plus further 4 instalments |
| £1,000+ | Deposit plus further 6 instalments |
11.4 Instalments may span academic years, depending on the start date of the learning programme but not beyond the planned end date of the course.
11.5 Instalment options for sponsors/employers are at the discretion of the Finance Department, however TSCG cannot offer instalments to international students.
11.6 Where a student’s fees are to be met by a third party (such as their employer or sponsor) the learner must supply, at the time of enrolment, a letter from the company or organisation confirming that fees will be met in part or full. In the absence of such confirmation, the student remains liable for the full cost of the course.
11.7 Where student’s fees are to be met by a student loan, proof of a loan approval or at least proof of a loan application should be produced by the student. Students without any loan evidence may be enrolled on a course at TSCG’s discretion on a Pending Fees status. It is the student’s responsibility to ensure their student loan application is successful and completed. Should a student fail to secure a loan, TSCG will request payment by other means.
11.8 The full course fee will still be payable if a student withdraws from the course and has attended at least one session of the programme, therefore payment must continue to be made regardless of the student withdrawing from the course.
12.1 Non-payment of fees or failure to agree acceptable terms of payment may result in one or more of the following:
12.2 Non-attendance on the course is not a valid reason for non-payment of course fees and payment/instalments must be made for non-attended lessons unless absence is due to unforeseen serious medical reasons for which supporting evidence must be submitted.
12.3 Students with outstanding fees due to TSCG (debts) will not be permitted to enrol onto a new learning programme until the debt has been paid in full.
12.4 Students undertaking a two year learning programme will not be permitted to progress to the second year of their course where fees relating to the first year remain unpaid until the debt has been paid in full.
12.5 TSCG will use appropriate debt recovery procedures where students breach the terms of their payment arrangement and will pass on all additional costs incurred in this process in the increase of the overall outstanding debt value.
12.6 Where fees and instalments are not paid and every avenue to financially support students in the payment of their fees has been exhausted, TSCG reserves the right to permanently exclude students from their course and TSCG.
12.7 TSCG reserves the right to re-present failed direct debit instalments in accordance with the Direct Debit scheme rules.
12.8 If fee instalments continue not to be paid by their due date, then the full outstanding balance becomes payable immediately.
12.9 Should the third party (sponsor/employer) fail to pay fees, TSCG reserves the right to pursue the student for the full payment of course costs.
13.1 Course fees are refundable where the course is cancelled prior to or after commencement due to low enrolment volumes.
13.2 Course fees are refundable where a student can demonstrate that their withdrawal from the course took place before commencement of the course or has resulted from the failure of the College to deliver what could have been reasonably expected. This would only be applicable where a written complaint has been upheld and any refund would be proportional to the learning undertaken to date and not include examination/registration fees incurred by TSCG.
13.3 No refunds will be made in the event of a learner withdrawing from the course for personal reasons. All outstanding fees become due immediately upon withdrawal from a course.
13.4 Domestic Course fees will not be refunded where course closure is temporary due to fire, flood or other force majeure, adverse weather conditions or industrial action.
13.5 Students can appeal via the feedback process or in writing to the Group Principal.
14.1 Where a learner can demonstrate extenuating circumstances, they may request a fee waiver.
14.2 A fee waiver will not normally be granted where:
14.3 Where extenuating circumstances are accepted a fee waiver can be issued up to the full value of the course.
14.4 In cases where extenuating circumstances have been accepted, exam fees will only be waived where TSCG has not yet incurred the costs.
14.5 To apply a learner must first write to the relevant Director of Curriculum requesting a fee waiver under extenuating circumstances. The learner should include:
14.6 If accepted by the Director of Curriculum, the application will be passed to the Assistant Principal – Planning, Funding and Performance (APPFP) to check that the fee assessment has been completed correctly.
14.7 If accepted by the Director of Curriculum (and no issues noted by the APPFP), the application will be passed to the Group Director of Finance for final review/approval.
14.8 Any fee waiver of more than £2,000 will also require approval from the Chief Finance and Operations Officer.
The level of government contribution for DfE funded ASF is shown in charts 1 and 2 below. Full details can be found at the website referenced H on page 2.
The level of government contribution for GMCA devolved funding is shown in the table below.
| Provision | 19 to 23 year olds | 24+ Unemployed | 24+ Other |
|---|---|---|---|
| English and maths, up to and including level 2 (Must be delivered as part of the legal entitlement) | Fully funded* | Fully funded* | Fully funded* |
| Essential Digital Skills Qualifications up to and including level 2 | Fully funded* | Fully funded* | Fully funded* |
| Level 2 (excluding English and maths) (First full level 2 must be delivered as part of the legal entitlement) | Fully funded* (first and full) | Fully funded | Fully funded* |
| Learning to progress to level 2 | Fully funded^ (up to and including level 1) | Fully funded | Co-funded+ |
| Level 3 (First full level 3 must be delivered as part of the legal entitlement) | Fully funded* (first and full) or Loan-funded** (if previously achieved full level 3 or above) | Loan-funded | Loan-funded |
| Level 3 free courses for jobs offer (learners without a full level 3 accessing a qualification on the level 3 adult offer qualification list, or learners who already hold a level 3 or higher and meet the definition of unemployed or low wage) | Fully funded++ | Fully funded++ | Fully funded++ |
| Level 3 Local Adult Offer (learners without a full level 3 or those with an existing first full level 3 accessing a qualification on the GM Local Level 3 Adult offer qualification list) | Fully funded++ | Fully funded++ | Fully funded++ |
| English for speakers of other languages (ESOL) learning up to and including level 2 | Fully funded/ if unemployed or Co- funded+ | Fully funded// | Co-funded+ |
| Learning aims up to and including level 2, where the learner has already achieved a first full level 2 or above | Co-funded+ Or Fully funded if unemployed | Fully funded | Co-funded+ |
| Learning aims up to and including level 2, where the learner has not achieved a first full level 2 or above | N/A or Co-funded+# Or Fully funded# | Fully funded | Co-funded+ |
* Must be delivered as one of the English and maths, Digital entitlement and/or first full level 2 or first full level 3 qualifications required as part of the legal entitlements.
^ Must be delivered as entry or level one provision from local flexibility.
** Availability of loans at level 3 does not replace the legal entitlement to full funding for learners aged 19 to 23 undertaking their first full level 3.
+ Low wage flexibility may apply, refer to paragraphs 2.35–2.36.
++ Only available for delivery by providers granted specific approval to offer this ring-fenced element.
// Subject to GM devolved flexibilities.
# Only available for delivery by providers granted specific approval by GMCA under the Level 2 Request Only Offer Process.
For 2026/27 the entrance will be:
| Course | Full Time | Part Time |
|---|---|---|
| BA (Hons) Degree | £8,200 | N/A |
| Foundation Degree | £8,000 | N/A |
| HNC/HND | £8,000 | £4,000 |
| Postgraduate Certificate in Education (PGCE) | N/A | £3,750 |
These represent an annual fee. Typically, this will be September to June, or January to December — unless otherwise stated.
Where students wish to complete additional units to those specified in any academic year, there will be a pro-rata fee added. For instance, a HNC studied PT over one year. This consists of 4 units of study or 60 credits. If a 5th unit is requested, this will be charged pro-rata of the full fee.
