FAQs

Our friendly Info Unit team want to help you get the most out of your College experience. If they don’t know the answer to one of your questions, they’ll know who will.

Either call 01228 822703, email info@carlisle.ac.uk or pop into our friendly reception.

HOW MUCH DO OUR COURSES COST?

Full Level 2 qualification

Over 19s receive free tuition fees, if in receipt of means-tested benefit, if not you may have to pay tuition, exam, and on some courses, material fees. If you are studying for a first full Level 2 qualification and do not already have a full Level 2 or higher qualification, your tuition fee will be waived. Full time courses are free to 16 to18 year olds.

Full Level 3 qualification

If you are under 25 and studying for a first full Level 3 qualification and do not already have a Level 3 or higher qualification, your tuition fee will be waived.

CAN I GET HELP WITH TRANSPORT TO COLLEGE?

Full-time English students who are under 19 years old and live more than 3 miles away from College can apply for bus passes from their County Council directly, e.g. Cumbria or Northumberland.

Full-time Scottish students and Full-time English students over 19 can apply directly to the College and may get help with subsidised transport.

CAN I GET HELP WITH CHILDCARE COSTS?

Apply to our Learner Support Fund and you may be eligible to get help towards any registered childminder, crèche or nursery costs (means-tested). This applies only to students aged 20+ living in England. Those under 20 should apply to Care to Learn. Call 01228 822 895 for more information.

WHAT DO I DO IF I’VE PERSONAL PROBLEMS DURING MY COURSE?

Your Course Tutor is available to listen to any problems you may have. We also have confidential help and support from the counsellors on site.

WHO CAN I SPEAK TO ABOUT PROBLEMS WITH COLLEGE OR MY COURSE?

Your Course Tutor is there to offer support and guidance if you experience any problems or difficulties which may affect your progress at College or any aspect of College life. As part of learning, we offer students a tutorial programme and a key focus for this is sustaining student motivation. Through the tutorial programme your attendance and progress will be monitored.

CAN I GET ADVICE ON WHAT TO DO WHEN I’VE FINISHED MY COURSE?

Our Careers Advisor can help with choosing courses, further qualifications or applying to Higher Education. They can also help improve job search skills(application forms, interview techniques, CVs etc) or they can simply discuss it with you.

WHERE CAN I FIND OUT ABOUT ANY HELP I’M ENTITLED TO?

Our friendly Student Support Services staff can give advice and assistance in checking various entitlements, such as student loans, financial support for childcare and course costs, Educational Maintenance Allowance(EMA) and Adult Learning Grant (ALG) information and access to the College accommodation list.

IS THERE ANY ADDITIONAL SUPPORT FOR MY SPECIFIC NEEDS?

We will meet with you to discuss ways in which we can help. Some students have a wide range of additional needs and we’re proud that we can provide staff qualified to teach in specialised support areas: