Wigan Adult Learning and Skills aims to provide as much free provision for as many residents of the borough as possible, where there is an education or skills gap. Our funding is received from Greater Manchester Combined Authority, who expect us to set fees for some courses, the government view being that adults who can afford to pay for learning should pay, and public subsidy should be targeted at the most disadvantaged learners.
English, maths, and digital courses are offered free for all adults who need them, at level 2 or below.
Any income generated from fees will be used to fund more courses and growth. The fee policy is based on a rate comparable to other local providers who run similar courses.
Wigan Adult Learning and Skills - Fees Statement
- Adult learners who are on an income-based benefit, or who earn less than £25,000 annual gross salary, will not pay course fees. When we say ‘earn’ we mean through either employment or through a pension
- Further fee exemptions apply to adult learners depending upon their prior learning attainments – please phone our admin team on 01942 489758 for details if you have been asked to pay a fee but wish to find out if you may be exempt
- Skills for life/functional skills - adult literacy and numeracy/family learning literacy, numeracy courses, and digital skills courses are free (this is a national adult learning policy)
- Very short tasters or workshops, comprising of one session, can be free as a tool to encourage learners to progress to further learning
- Courses targeting specific vulnerable groups are often free for learners
- We do not charge an admin, joining, or registration fee.
For specialist courses and courses commissioned by another organisation, or with sponsorship from employers, a higher fee should be charged to cover costs.
Wigan Adult Learning and Skills – Fee Remission Policy
Remission of Fees
Courses are free to learners in receipt of an income-based/means tested benefit. Courses are also free for all learners who individually earn less than £25,000 annual gross salary.
Fee Remission Categories
| If you are | Tuition and exam fees | What to bring as proof of entitlement |
|---|
| In receipt of an income-based benefit such as Universal Credit or Employment Support Allowance (ESA) |
No charge to learner |
Letter or official document |
| In receipt of an individual income of no more than £25,000 before deductions |
No charge to learner |
Wage slip or P60 etc |
| In receipt of Pension Credits (Guarantee Credit only) |
No charge to learner |
Award notice or letter etc |
| Offender serving a sentence in the community |
No charge to learner |
Letter from Probation service |
| Taking an English, maths or digital skills course |
No charge to learner |
Subject to status of course |
| Unwaged dependants of those listed above |
No charge to learner |
Evidence of partner’s entitlement |
| Registered unemployed, but not in receipt of benefit |
No charge to learner |
Letter from Job Centre Plus |
Evidence
- All proof of entitlement must be produced at the time of enrolment and by the 2nd teaching session
- Proof of entitlement must be current, or dated within the last 3 months.
Failure to supply required evidence may result in the relevant course fee being charged to the learner.
Examination, registration and certification costs
Exam and certification costs will be absorbed by the Adult Learning and Skills team for most adult learners in the 2025-26 academic year, exceptions being:
- Where a learner is an employee of, or is a client of another organisation, and costs can be recovered from that organisation by way of invoicing
- Where the course lies outside of the funded provision, for example, Equality and Diversity Training
- Where learners cannot evidence a fee remission category as detailed above.
Refund of fees
We know that sometimes there is a genuine reason to ask for a refund. Refunds can be offered for the following reasons:
- Where the course closes as a result of lack of numbers to make the class viable
- Where a class is cancelled by the service for any reason
- The meeting times, venue, or day of the class are changed so that it is no longer possible for an individual to attend
- A learner enrols in advance of the course starting and pays a fee but prior to the course starting their circumstances change so that they are entitled to a free class. Note this would not apply once the course has started
- In addition, a refund may be offered where personal circumstances change so that it is impossible to attend the class.
Appeals
In exceptional circumstances learners who are not eligible for fee remission can appeal, in writing, for the attention of the Contracts and Performance Manager, to be considered for fee remission. For more information, please contact the Adult Learning and Skills team.
Review
This policy will be reviewed annually considering national changes in funding for adults.