Learning with us
Everything you need to know about learning with us.
Cost of your adult education course
Hillingdon Council, the Greater London Authority (GLA) and the Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA) fund Learn Hillingdon to deliver a wide range of learning opportunities for everyone who is entitled to public funding.
Course fees explained
Fees vary depending on the length and type of course and are listed in the tables under the band columns (B1, B2, B3 and B4), which are explained below. Where a band fee is listed as N/A within a table, we are unable to offer a concessionary rate for a particular course and a fee will apply. Unless otherwise stated, exam and registration fees are included in the prices shown.
| Band | Who qualifies |
|---|---|
| B1 | London resident (not in receipt of eligible benefit) |
| B2 | London resident in receipt of eligible benefit or aged 65+ |
| B3 | London resident and out-of-London resident (enrolling on a qualification course), who is unemployed and in receipt of:
Out-of-London resident and earning less than the National Living Wage. This only applies to courses up to Level 2 that have a B3 fee rate. If you think this applies to you, please bring your recent wage slips (within the last 3 months) or job contract (stating your wages) when you enrol. A selection of Level 3 courses are available for those aged 24 years and over. Eligibility criteria applies and is based on personal circumstances. |
| B4 | Out-of-London resident |
We ask each learner for eligibility evidence on enrolment to ensure fees stay as low as possible.
Non-European Economic Area (EEA) residents should contact the centre to be advised about course fees based on their individual circumstances.
Please remember:
- English, maths (for learners who do not hold a GCSE Grade 4 or above) and Essential Digital Skills qualification courses are fully funded.
- First full Level 2 courses may be fully funded for 19 to 23-year-olds who do not hold five Grade 4 to 9 GCSEs or equivalent full Level 2 qualification.
- First full Level 3 course may be fully funded for 19 to 23-year-olds.
- Learners aged under 19 years old on 1 August 2024 will not be eligible for courses with Learn Hillingdon.
Help paying for your learning
Paying in instalments
Where a course lasts for at least 4 months, fees are higher than £100 and it is not sponsored by a third party, payment can be made in four instalments. This needs to be arranged at the time of enrolment, where the learner will need to pay 50% of the course fee.
The remaining 50% will be collected through 3 monthly direct debits, which will be set up at the point of enrolment and paid on the 24th day of the month following the start of the course.
Learning loans
Where indicated in the course tables (within health and care, floristry, childcare and community interpreting) there are no concessionary rates. However, there are a small number of courses that the government will fully fund for those aged 24 years and over. Eligibility criteria applies and is based on personal circumstances.
If you do not fall into the category above, a learning loan from the Student Loans Company may be available to learners who are:
- aged between 19 and 23 and have already achieved a Level 3 qualification in that subject; or
- aged over 24 and wish to study a qualification at Level 3 or above that does not meet the eligibility criteria to be fully funded.
The loan is not means-tested and anyone can apply. However, the minimum loan that can be taken out is £300. This loan starts to be repayable once earned income exceeds £25,000 per year.
Please remember: You do not have to apply for a loan; you can pay the fees in full, independently.
For more information about paying for your course, call Uxbridge Adult Education Centre on 01895 556455.
Refunds policy
A 14-day cooling off period applies to all of our courses. This means that if you wish to cancel a course, you must submit your request in writing to the Student Services Manager within 14 days of enrolling.
The cooling off period begins on the day learners enrol on the system. If the course hasn't started, the learner will have the right to cancel the course and obtain a full refund.
Where a course starts within the 14-day cooling off period, the refund will be given on a pro-rata basis based on the number of sessions attended.
Once the cooling off period has expired, Learn Hillingdon has no obligation to make any refund to learners who wish to cancel.
Course cancellations by the service
- If the course is cancelled by Learn Hillingdon before the start date, a full refund will be given.
- If a course is closed within 2 weeks of the course start date, a full refund will be givenunless transfer to another course is agreed.
Requests for refunds
- Learn Hillingdon is unable to give refunds to learners who are absent due to changes in work commitments, personal or financial circumstances or any other reasons for not being able to attend the course. Any outstanding direct debits will remain payable by the learner.
- If a student fails to follow Learn Hillingdon's policies, including those relating to health and safety, attendance and behaviour, the learner will be withdrawn from the course and no refund will be given. Any fees outstanding in these circumstances remain payable by the learner.
- If a learner becomes ill during the period of a course, they may apply for a refund if the condition prevents them from continuing. Medical evidence will be required in the form of a doctor's note or equivalent. The learner may apply for a credit note that will permit them to re-enrol at a later date (credit notes are valid for one year). The refund or credit note will be calculated on a pro-rata basis from the date of the last class attended.
Please remember: Where a refund is made, this will be for the tuition fee (on a pro-rata basis). Admin fees, exam fees and materials costs are not refundable.
Learn Hillingdon reserves the right to refuse a refund to any learner who has a current debt with the service.
If the learner has paid by debit or credit card, refunds will be made to that card. If the learner has paid by cash or cheque, the refund will be in the form of a cheque issued by the council.