A college has defended its deposits policy after a parent was concerned at being asked to pay to reserve a place on some courses.
Youngsters applying for a place on a further education course at Moulton College, in Pitsford Road, are asked to pay a non-refundable acceptance deposit of £50.
One mother, who did not wish to be named, said her son had applied for a place for September this year, and added: “It seems unnecessary and not very fair.”
But college principal, Stephen Davies, said the scheme had existed for at least six years and the money was used to maintain the campus and pay for specialist resources, which were not funded by the Government.
He said the college takes on around 2,400 further education students every year and they were asked to pay £50 each. He added: “We are very fortunate as a college that, down to the specialist curriculum we offer, we have enjoyed really high interest in the courses we offer. Many are over-subscribed each year.
“Moulton College introduced a deposit scheme years ago to secure a place at the college. It shows that there’s a commitment from the students to come to the college.”
He said if a student did not earn the grades needed to get onto the course they applied for, then the college would seek to find them an alternative course, but if it was not suitable they would receive their £50 back.
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