Finance & Funding
If you are aged 16-18, you may be eligible to receive support from the 16-18 Bursary Fund.
- Guaranteed Bursary – If you are living in care, or a care leaver, or are receiving income support, or are receiving Employment Support Allowance together with Disability Living Allowance, then you may be eligible to receive a bursary equivalent to £1,200 a year (pro rata).
- Discretionary Bursary – this could support you with the costs of transport, meals in college, equipment and materials, trips, course related costs (including CRB checks and visits), sports activities, UCAS fees and travel to interviews/open days, or one off emergency costs.
Please click here to complete the form.
If you are aged 19+, you may be eligible to access the 19+ Learner Support Funds.
- Hardship – you may be eligible to receive support to help you with the costs of transport, meals in college, equipment and materials, trips, other course related costs, fees or domestic emergencies.
- Childcare – you may be eligible for with your childcare costs.
The Guidance and Welfare team can talk to you about benefits issues, bursaries, Learner Support Fund (LSF) or any other financial concerns you are experiencing. Please do not wait until it becomes unmanageable. This service is confidential.
Examples of financial support available includes:
- Army Bursary – funding is given to 16 - 32 year olds studying certain subjects in exchange for a commitment to join the army.
- Child Benefit – if you are in full time further education, this will continue to be paid until your nineteenth birthday.
- Childcare support – this can be accessed via the College Learner Support Funds for students over 19 years, or government schemes such as Care to Learn for students under 19 years and Childcare to Work for couples.
- Learner Support Fund (LSF) – financial support for travel, hardship, uniforms, kit, equipment and residentials. There is also support for learners studying on ESOL courses.
- NHS Charges – if you are aged 16-19 years and attend college on a full time basis, you will be exempt from NHS charges.
- Fee Entitlement - Some courses are free or available at a reduced cost depending on your individual circumstances. For example, Level 2 and Level 3 entitlement (free course if you do not already have a qualification at this level, however an examination fee is still payable).
Please to complete the 19+ Learner Support Fund application. Please call into Learner Services for further information about these and other financial support schemes or telephone 01925 494494.
