Stella,

There is a danger in confusing re-sits of failed units with retaking a course.

I believe that there are two issues which need consideration.

If the student fails and comes back to take the complete AS course again, do you have a valid reason for taking them back, illness or family reasons for instance.

If you can justify the retake you will also be funded. Surely in this instance you cannot charge for re-sits because they aren't re-sits and the student (16-19) is fully funded.

If however, you extend the student to an AS course over two years, you will only receive half funding in the first year. In this instance, you would be justified in charging for re-sits as they are realistically re-sits of the same course not first sittings of another course. Sorry, that sounds a bit confusing but I hope you get my drift!

Suggest there may be legal implications here or at the very least problems at audit time.

I clarified this with a member of our SMT to check my understanding before writing.

Regards,

Ken Southward

Examinations Officer

Tel: 01925 633591 x207

Fax: 01925 413887

e'mail: [log in to unmask]

-----Original Message-----
From: Stella Daly [mailto:[log in to unmask]]
Sent: 20 October 2005 09:01
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject:

Good Morning All

Please advise your colleges policy re;

Learners who failed their AS's last year, returning to study same AS's again this academic year. We currently charge learners examination fees this year as the college only offers one free attempt per unit.

Very interested to hear your policy - if indeed you do accept them back at all!

Stella Daly

Examinations Officer