Financial Support and Transport

Discretionary Learner Support is available to students aged 16 and over who need financial help with the additional costs of attending college.

Support may be available towards:

• Travel to and from college
• Meals while on campus
• Course fees for eligible learners aged 19+
• Essential course equipment and books
• Stationery
• Course trips
• Childcare costs
• University visits and interviews

This is a discretionary fund for students from low-income households (generally with an annual household income below £30,000) or those receiving qualifying benefits. Funding is limited and applications are considered on a first-come, first-served basis, subject to college priorities.

A Vulnerable Bursary may be available to support students aged 16–19 with the costs of attending college.

You may be eligible if you are:

• In care or a care leaver
• Living independently and receiving Income Support or Universal Credit
• Receiving Universal Credit or Employment Support Allowance (ESA) alongside Disability Living Allowance (DLA) or Personal Independence Payment (PIP)

The bursary can help with the essential costs of participating in education.

Eligible students may receive a free meal on the days they attend college or a placement for three hours or more.

You may be eligible if you are:

• Aged 16–18 when you start an eligible course
• Aged 19 and continuing on an eligible course
• Aged 19–25 with an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) and receiving certain benefits

Eligible benefits include:

• Income Support
• Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
• Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
• The guarantee element of State Pension Credit
• Support under Part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999
• Child Tax Credit (where you are not entitled to Working Tax Credit) and your annual gross income is no more than £16,190, as assessed by HMRC
• Working Tax Credit Run On (for four weeks after stopping eligibility for Working Tax Credit)
• Universal Credit, where annual net earnings do not exceed £7,400

Meals may also be awarded at the College’s discretion to students who have applied for discretionary support and meet the relevant income criteria.

Government Care to Learn funding is available for young parents under the age of 20 to help with childcare and nursery costs while they study.

For more information and details on how to apply, visit the Government website.