Question: Where can I learn on the Isle of Wight
Answer: You can learn at many local Schools and Community Learning Centres across the Island. Have a look at what is available in your area. - Related Link
Question: How much will learning cost me?
Answer: Many courses cost under £40. If you are on benefits or a low income there are concesionary schemes offering 50% discount. One day and short taster courses are an affordable way to try out new subjects and some programmes for example, Family Learning and Basic Skills to improve your Maths and English are free.
Question: How can I afford to train or retrain for a new career?
Answer: You should contact NextStep for proper advice about the options available to you. Rodger Gray is the local Information and Advice Worker who can be reached by telephoning 0791 921 5249. You may also wish to consider a Career Development Loan as a way of financing the costs involved. - Related Link
Question: Can I get help to pay the tuition fees for adult education courses?
Answer: If you are on a means-tested state benefit, fees are generally reduced. You will need some proof of your status when you enrol, contact the individual provider directly to find out their policy.
Question: Why does the provider ask for personal information on the enrolment form
Answer: You will be asked to complete an enrolment form that asks about your personal details. You will probably be asked for your address, date of birth, ethnic origin. They are not being nosy! They are just trying to collect information to help them plan courses in the future. Some of the information they collect may be passed to the Isle of Wight Council Adult and Community Learning Service to help inform planning.
Question: How can I start a course when I have family to look after?
Answer: Funding for childcare costs may be available for some courses. Ask the provider when you enrol.
Question: What is the point of me returning to learning if I was not very good at it the first time?
Answer: Adult and Community Learning is for adults and you can expect to be treated as one. Providers know that if you are learning you are doing it because you want to. Returning to learning now can be a lot more fun then when you were at school. You can try new subjects and hobbies that were never available to you in previous years and realise new ambitions you have since developed. If you did not get any qualifications at school it does not mean you cannot take part in further learning or even go to university. Colleges now offer Access courses that are designed for people without the necessary qualifications to study foundation courses to prepare them for the demands of a higher level of learning. A lot of these courses are free of charge. Learning need not be difficult or a chore. Anyhow, you may well be a lot better at it than you imagine! - Related Link
Question: How can I improve my reading and writing skills if I am nervous about doing this in front of a large class?
Answer: There are a lot of basic skills courses available on a one-to-one basis or within a very small group. Many are free of charge if you are on benefits or have a low income. Course are available both through the Community and Family Learning Service and the Isle of Wight College. If you want to improve your numeracy and literacy skills contact us - Related Link
Question: Are there any hidden costs for any adult education courses in addition to the course fee?
Answer: You may have to pay additional costs for course materials or exam fees. You will be informed of any additional costs when you enrol. Ask the provider about these if they are not mentioned in the brochure or course information sheets.
Question: How do I enrol on an adult learning course?
Answer: Each provider will have their own procedures for enrolment but, generally, they are very similar. Most providers can process enrolments in person, by telephone, fax or post. Some may even be able to accept your enquiries or enrolment by e-mail or from the Internet. You can pay your course fees in a number of ways but DO NOT ever send any cash in the post.
Question: How can I find out about getting into a university?
Answer: If you want to find out about university courses you should contact UCAS - the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (telephone 0870 1122211). For advice about funding available to you in higher education: - Related Link
Question: If I am not happy with the service or quality of my adult learning course, how can I make a complaint?
Answer: If you have not had a positive experience please talk to your tutor or programme manager in the first instance. They will do their best to solve any problem. However if your complaint is not handled to your satisfaction the Isle of Wight Council has a formal complaints procedure for services it provides or secures. You can make a complaint online by completing the form available at the link below or alternatively please contact the Adult and Community Learning Service directly; telephone 817280, fax 817281 or email acl@iow.gov.uk. We also value feedback on positive learning experiences. - Related Link
