Frequently Asked Questions




Do you need help finding the right course for you?


ACRES has been awarded the Matrix Standard for the quality of the information and advice we give to students at enrolment. We offer free impartial information and advice to help you choose the right course for you.

We can:

We are unable to:

If you would like more information about a course before enrolling:

Do I need to buy text books and materials?


The course information sheets give details of materials and text books you may need. A copy will be sent to you at enrolment or you can download one from the ‘course search’ area of this web site.
Please remember if you are enrolling for a course requiring a textbook or materials, do not purchase these items until you are certain that the course will begin. Decisions on whether a course will run or not are made a week before the course is due to start.

Am I entitled to a reduced fee?


The reduced fee categories for courses are defined by the Skills Funding Agency and reflect the government’s priorities of funding learning to enable people to re-enter the workplace.
You are entitled to reduced fees if If you are in reciept of the following:

We know that a fair proportion of our students are not in receipt of employment based benefits and, for courses not leading to examinations, we will continue to offer reduced fees to people in receipt of means tested state benefits. More information is given below.

Can I apply for financial support?



We will use our limited funds to help as many students as possible to study within the Adult College for Rural East Sussex.

Please note that

Students attending courses leading to a full qualification

Financial support may be given from our Discretionary Learner Support Fund to students experiencing financial hardship. Financial support may be granted to help with

Students who are in receipt of a means tested benefit, as listed below, an unwaged dependent of a person in receipt of a means tested benefit as listed below, or those who are experiencing financial hardship may apply for support from our Discretionary Support Fund.

Applications for financial support from our Discretionary Support Fund should be forwarded for the attention of the Business Manager at the address below. Each case will be assessed individually and evidence of the relevant benefit or household income will be required.

Click here to download the application form for Financial Support. All applications must be supported with relevant benefit evidence

Students attending non-exam courses
Students attending non-exam courses who are receiving the follow benefits may be eligible to pay the reduced course fee:
There are two ways in which we may support students
1. Students who are in receipt of a means tested benefits as listed above may be eligible to pay the reduced fee.
2. Arranging payment of fees by instalments over a longer period.

Evidence of the relevant benefit will be required at the time of enrolment.

What is your smoking policy?


There is a no smoking policy operating on all educational premises and in all public places.

Can I use my mobile phone?


Mobile phones should be turned off or set to silent during classes.

How do I find out if a class is cancelled due severe weather?


In the event of severe weather, please check the website for any closure information. The website will be updated daily during any closure periods. You can call the ACRES’ Office on 01825 761820 if you would like confirmation of our intention to close or stay open. Should the office not be open due to the severe weather we will endeavour to leave a recorded message on 01825 761820 but we are not always able to do this if the college is closed. Unfortunately we are unable to contact each student individually and we suggest you check on the website if possible. Please note that a college may be open in the evening even if there has been a daytime closure. Should a session have to be cancelled due to severe weather a replacement session will be arranged.

Is there parking at the venue?


Parking is limited at some of our venues, particularly those we use during the day. Any particular instructions or parking information relating to the venue you are attending will be sent to you when you enrol. You can also find out this information from the ‘Venue’ page on this web site

Will my course run?


ACRES need a minimum number of students to run a course. The minimum number can be different on some courses due to venues, resources and the type of activity that is taking place.

Decisions on whether or not courses will run are made a week before the course is due to start. If you have enrolled on a course that has to be cancelled we will contact you to let you know. We do not telephone to confirm a course is running; however, if you wish to confirm please contact the ACRES’ Office a week before the course is due to begin.

Will my course length be extended?


Some courses, such as Art or Fitness courses, are often extended into the next term if there is sufficient student demand. Students on these courses will be contacted and given the opportunity to enrol on a continuation course. Where courses are extended for an extra term or for additional sessions, the course fee may not be the same as the intial course. New students may be able to join continuation courses during the year, please ring the ACRES Office for more information or look on the ACRES website.

Can I join a course after it has started?


It may be possible to join a course after it has started, depending on your level of experience and knowledge in the subject. If you would like to join a course after it has started please contact the ACRES Office who will be able to advise you. If the course is ten weeks or longer and you join after the fourth week, you can request a fee reduction.

Liability?


Anyone bringing property onto the premises where course are held does so at their own risk. The College will not be held responsible for loss, damage or injury of any kind.