MAES Fee Policy 2026/27
Our aim
Manchester Adult Education Service’s (MAES) mission to improve lives through learning and skills. MAES aims to set fees at a fair and affordable level, balancing accessibility for learners with the sustainable delivery of high-quality education and training. Fee levels are reviewed annually by the Service and are determined in line with government legislation, Adult Skills Fund (ASF) and Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA) funding rules, and the strategic priorities of Manchester City Council.
MAES is committed to ensuring that no learner is excluded from learning because of financial barriers. This policy supports a transparent and consistent approach to fees, funding and financial support, ensuring that learners who are able to contribute towards the cost of their learning do so, whilst protecting access for those who are eligible for fee remission or financial assistance.
This policy aims to ensure that learners, prospective learners and those supporting them understand:
- Which courses are fully funded or eligible for fee remission or reduced fees.
- The financial support, bursaries and other assistance available to support participation in learning.
- Who is eligible for public funding and the evidence required to demonstrate eligibility.
- How to apply for funding, fee remission and learner support.
The broad framework for tuition fees and financial support is set out within this policy. More detailed, up-to-date guidance, including eligibility criteria, evidence requirements and application processes, will be published on the MAES website and learner information materials.
Fee Remission Eligibility
Free courses
Students who meet specified residency, 16–18-year-olds, skills development needs and/or benefit/income requirements may be eligible for zero fees. MAES reserves the right to limit the number of free places offered subject to budgetary constraints. Current eligibility information and evidence requirements will be made available on our website. Eligibility may differ between different courses.
Students with an Education Health & Care Plan (EHCP)
Students with an EHCP who are 16-18 on 31st August may only enrol on courses within the three approved areas listed above, with approval by Curriculum Manager. The Curriculum and Learning support teams will assess any additional support needs for students who are under 25 and have an EHCP. They will review whether MAES can provide the appropriate support to students in this group before approving enrolment. Applicants must be made at least one month in advance of the course start date to allow time to carry out the assessment.
Full fee
The full fee is paid by everyone who doesn’t qualify for the free course’s eligibility.
Employer/Sponsor
Where the employer/sponsor is to pay the fees, they will be invoiced for 100% of all fees no later than 30 days following the date of enrolment. Learners must provide a signed letter on headed paper or a purchase order from their employer confirming support is available at enrolment before they are permitted to enrol via this method.
Workforce Development
Staff may be supported financially with course fees from the staff development budget at the discretion of the Senior Leadership Team. The application process will be publicised annually, and staff will be notified if their application has been approved, the notification will state the level of financial support approved for the College. For approved applications, the member of staff will be required to complete and sign a Training Agreement prior to the start of their programme. Where staff have to contribute towards fees, (i.e. tuition and/or other fees) they shall be required to follow the principles outlined within this policy document.
The following help is also available to assist with paying course fees:
Payment plans
For UK based students enrolling on a course that runs for at least nine weeks course fees may be paid in instalments. Interest for setting up a payment plan will not be charged and there are no other additional fees. We have two types of payment plans:
- High value course fees (currently set at £500 and above).
We require all students applying to pay for course fees in instalments to set up reoccurring credit/debit card and or direct debit payment. Failure to make a payment will result in automatic withdrawal from the course and prevented from enrolling on future courses until the debt is cleared.
Advanced Learner Loan
Advanced Learner Loans are administered by Student loans company (Slc). These are available to all students studying at level 3 to 6.
Details on how to apply will be made available on the website.
Restrictions
Due to limitations or restrictions on funds available MAES cannot guarantee that all requests for financial assistance can be met. For this reason, an appeals process or waiting list facility will not be offered.
Monitoring and Review
The policy, supporting guidance and operational procedures will be reviewed regularly and updated as necessary and in accordance with any funding body guidance.