Strapped for Cash?

We recognise the need for financial support for some students to enable them to attend College. The College has a financial support scheme to help students overcome financial barriers to studying, whether they enrol on a full-time or part-time course. There are eligibility criteria and the scheme details may vary from year to year, but in general you will be able to get help with the cost of:

• Travel to and from College
• Childcare
• Materials, equipment and special clothing necessary for your course
• Educational visits
• Exam, registration and other fees
• Other associated study costs

Learner Support Fund (or Access Funds)

If you regularly attend College, you may be able to get help with the cost of:

• Travel to and from College (full-time students only)
• Childcare (full and part-time students)
• Materials, equipment and special clothing (full and part-time students)
• Tuition/Registration/Examination Fees
• Other associated study costs

For more information on Access Fund support, please see the notes for assistance through the Access Fund.

For applications for Access Fund support, please see the Access Fund application form.

Access to Learning Fund (support for HE students)

The Access to Learning Fund provides discretionary financial assistance for learners to help them access and remain in higher education - particularly those learners who need financial help to meet extra costs that cannot be met from other sources of support. The Fund can help to alleviate unexpected financial hardship. Learners who may be considering leaving higher education because of financial problems are particularly encouraged to apply. You can apply to the Fund at any point throughout the academic year. Any help you receive from the Fund is, usually, non repayable. Learners who may previously have received support from the College Access Fund may not necessarily receive an award from the Access to Learning Fund.

For more information on the Access to Learning Fund, please see the notes for assistance.

For applications for support, please see the Access to Learning Fund application form.

Educational Maintenance Allowance (EMA)

The Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA) is available nationally to eligible young people aged between 16 and 18 (up to 19 for continuing learners) who are studying on:

• Full-time College programme
• An Entry to Employment (E2E) training programme (LSC funded)
• A Programme led Pathway (PLP) training programme

An EMA is a weekly payment of up to £30 a week. There are also bonuses of £100 if you remain on your course and make good progress with your learning. Payments are made directly into your bank account. For more information, visit the DFES website www.dfes.gov.uk/financialhelp/ema

Childcare Assistance

Nursery

There is an extensive provision located at our Town Centre & Rother Valley Campus, with places for children aged 0-5 years . (If eligible for support with the cost of childcare, you may be eligible for a free place). Please contact Student Services for more information.

Adult Learning Grant (ALG)

The Adult Learning Grant (ALG) is a weekly payment of up to £30 a week and is available nationally to learners aged 19 or over who are studying on:

• A Full-time College programme
• Their first full level 2 or level 3 qualification

For more information contact Student Services or visit https://adultlearninggrant.lsc.gov.uk

Further information on how to apply is available from your school, your Connexions Personal Advisor, Student Services at College, or from the Department of Education and Skills on 0800 810 16219 or www.dfes.gov.uk/financialhelp/ema