Principal Debbie Lavin.
THE principal of the Isle of Wight College has promised to do what she can for disabled students hit with a big hike in tuition fees.
Debbie Lavin said she was concerned about a cut in government funding, which meant disabled students aged over 25 face a rise in tuition fees.
Each case depends on individual circumstances but one CP reader, who did not want to be named, said a 12-week course was set to rise from £25 to £260.
Mrs Lavin said government guidance was adult learners would have to make a 50 per cent contribution to tuition fees, with the Skills Funding Agency, which is part of the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills, funding the other half.
In some cases the full cost of the course would still be covered by the government.
Mrs Lavin invited students affected by the rise to talk to her and she would help, wherever possible.
She said: "I am really upset about this situation, it’s not my choice but all I can say is I’m prepared to listen.
"I can’t make any promises to people but if I can pull funds together for the greater good, I will."
Reporter: mattw@iwcpmail.co.uk