Course Fees & Funding

Whether you’re looking to take your first steps into education or you’re looking to add to your current skills, finance can be a pretty daunting subject.

We’ve pulled together this guide which outlines on the costs involved and the support available to you.

If you’d like any further help or information, please do contact our finance team by emailing finance@plumpton.ac.uk, phoning on 01273892102, or by joining us at one of our information events.

Please note that the following information refers only to Further Education students, please visit the following page for HE advice:

Higher Education Finance

For information specifically about bursaries, please click here.

Tuition Fees

Students aged 16-18

If you’re aged 16-18 on 31st August in the year when you start your full-time course, then there are NO course tuition fees payable.

Students aged 19 and over at the course start date

Studying at Level 1 & 2 or first Level 3

For full time students aged 19 or over on 31st August in the year when you start your full-time course, there will be tuition fees. The fees payable are dependent on the course you are studying.

Tuition fee remission (whereby the Government pays the tuition fee and assessment fee) is available to students who are aged 19 and over at the time the course begins and for which any of the following applies:

Students aged 19+ unemployed and in receipt of JSA (Jobseekers Allowance) or Work Related ESA (Employment Support Allowance) - FREE up to and including first Level 3 courses for students aged 19-23
Students aged 19+ unemployed and in receipt of a means-tested state benefit looking to enter employment - FREE up to and including first Level 3 courses for students aged 19-23
Students aged 19-23 who enrol on their first full Level 2 course - FREE
Students aged 19-23 who enrol on their first full Level 3 course - FREE
Students that are on low income and can prove they earn less than £20,319 may be entitled to fee remission (as of September 2024 this will rise to £25,000)
Students aged 24 and earning above the threshold may apply for an Advanced Learner Loan for full Level 3 courses

If you’re being supported by your employer or a sponsor, you’ll need to provide a letter of authorisation at enrolment.

If you are aged 19-23 and you believe that you qualify for fee remission and would like to discuss this further, please call our Enquiries Team on 01273 892080 or email enquiries@plumpton.ac.uk

Studying at Level 3 for a second time or students aged 24 or over at the course start date studying at level 3

Tuition fees vary based on your programme of study. These fees do not include Plumpton College facilities, materials and assessment fees, which will be charged seperately.

You can apply for a loan via the Advanced Learner Loan scheme to pay your course fee.

Traineeships

If you’re under 24 and haven’t previously studied at Level 3, no fees are payable.

Facilities Fee

A facility fee contribution is payable by all students.

Full Time students £150

Please note the facilities fee is not covered by any bursary awarded.

The facility fee covers:

Unlimited WiFi and broadband for personal use
Students use of sports amenities
Car parking facilites
Security, minibuses, on site medical care, free lockers for use
Student safeguarding and councellling onsite and online
Online infastructure for remote learning

How do I pay my facilities fee?

Payment for the facility fee should be made before you start your course on our online shop.

Payment Plans

We offer deferred payment schemes on an individual basis, so please call the Finance Team to discuss if this applies to you.

Material Fees

What is the Material Fee?

Please note material fees apply only to Floristry, Blacksmithing & Metalwork, Land-Based Engineering and Motor Vehicle students.

As a College we invest in the highest quality resources and equipment for your studies, for which we have to charge a proportion of this cost to students / parents / guardians to ensure we continue to offer the best possible experience. It also ensures our running of these courses remains financially viable.

Other Potential Sources of Funding for Plumpton Students

Here is a list of organisations offering financial support – many are industry specific. We recommend that you research their websites and follow the application process for each individual organisation.

The Lewes Exhibition Fund - supports students under 25 and living within 5 miles of Lewes (application forms are available from College) or email: info@lewes-tc.gov.uk
Bedgebury Foundation – for students in East Sussex and Kent under 25 years old.
City & Guilds – for students studying City & Guilds qualification.
Gingerbread – supports single parents.
The Perennial Charity - for students in the horticultural sector.
The Prince’s Trust for students under 25 and in hardship.
RABI Charity – supports families working in the agricultural sector.
The Star Trust - supports children in South East England.
Vegetarian Charity (for students under age 26).
Welsh Pony & Cob Club (for students under 25).
The Worshipful Company of Blacksmiths.
The Worshipful Company of Farmers.
The Worshipful Company of Vintners.
List of miscellaneous sources of funding for groups and individuals are posted on the Countryside Jobs Service site.
Helen Kennedy Foundation
HKF provides support of up to £2,250 to students whose personal and financial circumstances make progression to higher education difficult. They have two awards for a higher level apprenticeship in agriculture, and three awards for students wanting to progress to a land based degree.
Professional Gardeners Trust
The Professional Gardeners’ Trust funds training and education for gardeners (including apprentices), providing them with the opportunity to acquire skills and qualifications which benefit the industry.
Studley College Trust
The Studley College Trust encourages education and research in land based subjects by financially assisting young people who wish to pursue a career in one of these areas but are restricted by financial constraints. It contributes towards the cost of accommodation, study materials, exam fees and study trips.
AgriFood Charities Partnership
The AFCP website provides a searchable list of charities and trusts which provide funding to help with all types of training, education and research in the food and farming sectors.