Finance and Travel
Charging and Remission Policy for College Activities
Residential field trips are often organised by departments including, for example, Art, Biology, Business Studies, Geology, Geography, Modern Languages and Physical Education. Some of these study visits may be overseas. Expenditure arising on particular courses is outlined in the separate course leaflets. It is College policy to assist with the expenses of students who, because of evidenced financial hardship, would not otherwise be able to join in these activities.
College Fund
We invite parents to make a voluntary contribution to the College Fund, currently £50. Of this sum, £20 is a deposit which is returnable when you leave and have returned books or equipment that have been lent to you.
The fund is used to contribute to scholarships and activities that are not funded centrally, and to support students in hardship who do not qualify for help from the 16-19 Bursary Fund. It is also used to support some student facilities. The executor is the Principal acting on behalf of the Governing Body.
Education Maintenance Allowance
Currently this is available to students whose usual address is in Wales and whose household income is £20,817 per annum or less if there is one dependent child or £23,077 per annum or less if there are two or more dependent children. Payments of up to £30 per week are paid fortnightly into the student's bank account and are dependant on attendance at all lessons. Full details of how to apply can be found at www.studentfinancewales.co.uk or a pack may be collected from the EMA office in College.
The EMA scheme for new students who live in England has now closed.
Examinations
No charge is made for examination entries in subjects that you are following as part of your College course unless you fail to achieve certain minimum standards of work and attendance during your period of time in the College. If you wish to sit an examination against the advice of your tutors, or you wish to resit a unit, you will be charged. If you fail, without good reason, to sit an examination for which the College has paid the fees, you will be required to reimburse the College for those fees.
Fees
Tuition fees are not payable if you have ordinarily been resident in the United Kingdom for the previous three years (for reasons other than full-time study) and who are under the age of 19 at the commencement of your course.
Students aged 16-18 from overseas are currently exempt from fees provided that:
- you are a holder of a full British Citizen passport or are accompanying parents who are holders of full British Citizen passports; or
- you are a dependant of teachers on exchange schemes; or
- you are an EU national (or a dependant of EU nationals) and have been ordinarily resident in the EEA (European Economic Area) for the previous three years (for reasons other than full-time study); or
- you have other Rights of Abode or are accompanying parents who have other Rights of Abode.
If you are an overseas student who does not meet any of the above criteria, you should contact the College for further information.
Fees for Mature Students
If you are aged 19 or over at the start of your course, you will be required to pay a contribution towards your tuition fees, subject to your personal circumstances. Mature students are advised to contact the College prior to application for further information.
16-19 Bursary Fund - for Financial Hardship
This fund is administered by the Bursary Fund Administrator who deals with all cases in a confidential manner. If you have difficulty in meeting costs relating to your studies, e.g., books, equipment, transport, trips and visits, you may apply for financial assistance. This fund may also be used in exceptional cases for providing assistance with living expenses. The fund is means-tested, and you will be required to provide documentary evidence of your financial circumstances in order to qualify.
Students who are 'looked after', care leavers in receipt of income support and disabled young people in receipt of both Employment Support and Disability Living Allowance qualify for the full Bursary (currently £1,200).
Students' Cars
Because of a shortage of car-parking space, you must not bring a car onto the campus. Drivers of cars parked improperly or without authorisation will receive a parking fine which will be strictly enforced. Persistent offenders will have their cars clamped.
Students' Property
While all reasonable precautions are taken, the College cannot accept responsibility for the loss of students' property. You are strongly advised to add to your household insurance any valuable items such as bicycles, expensive watches, jewellery and musical instruments.
Please be aware that student lockers are cleared every week and items disposed of after one week of storage.
Travel
Subsidised transport is available for all students whose resident address is more than three miles from the College. The subsidy system is administered by Herefordshire Council through the Local Authority (LA). A detailed leaflet is available from the LA or from the College Office. If you live outside the Herefordshire Council area, application should be made in the first instance to your own Local Authority. If you are refused assistance, an application via Herefordshire Council will be supported by the College. A contribution to transport will be required, which in cases of financial hardship will be supported by the Learner Support Fund or the Education Maintenance Allowance. The student contribution towards travel is currently £168 per term, and is subject to annual increases as determined by the Local Authority. In some cases, train passes will be available.