STUDENTS AGED BETWEEN 16-18 YEARS OLD
(Aged under 19 on 31 August 2020)
There is a range of support available for young students to help make college financially viable.
Free meals (16-18 years old): One free meal per day (lunch or dinner) from the college canteens (alongside the free breakfast that is available to all students) is available for students who meet the criteria. This is based on the means tested benefits of your parents/guardians.
​
Travel costs: All students aged 16-18 can apply for help with travel. This is not based on household income but you must live 2 miles or more from the campus where you are studying and be undertaking 11 hours per week or more.* In the 1st term you will be issued with a Swift card or rail payment. Terms 2 and 3 will be issued subject to a satisfactory attendance check (attendance is expected to fall within 5% of the college's attendance target which is 95%).
​
Essential equipment: This is based on household income. Students may receive additional financial help towards essential equipment needed to undertake their course. Staff/Tutors in your faculty will identify what equipment you need.
Vulnerable Student Bursary: If you are in care, leaving care or living independently you may qualify for up to £1200 over a full academic year to help cover costs of travel, trips and essential equipment.
​
Care to Learn: Students aged under 20 (on 1 September 2020) and in need of childcare can apply to the Care to Learn scheme.
For more information follow these links:
​
www.gov.uk/care-to-learn/overview
www.gov.uk/advanced-learning-loans/overview
ADULTS
(Aged 19 years or over on 1 September 2020)
Free meals (19-24 years old): Students who have Learning Difficulty Assessment (LDA) or Education Health and Care Plan and are in receipt of means tested benefits are entitled to one free meal a day.
​
Travel costs: All students aged 19 or above can apply for help with travel. This is not based on household income but you must live 2 miles or more from the campus where you are studying and be undertaking 11 hours per week or more.* In the 1st term you will be issued with a Swift card or rail payment. Terms 2 and 3 will be issued subject to a satisfactory attendance check.
​
Essential equipment: You may receive help with essential equipment such as uniforms, PPE and other costs associated with your course. Staff in your faculty will identify what equipment you need.
​
Childcare for students age 20 or over:
Students aged 20 or over and in need of childcare can apply to Learner Support Fund or the Advanced Learner Loan bursary.
Tuition fees: In some cases for families on a low income may be eligible for a fee remission. Please note this is not applicable for students who have an Advanced Learning Loan or are on a HE programme.