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 college
• Meal support including Free College Meals
• Course equipment and books
• Stationery
• Educational trips
• University visits and interviews
• Loan of a Laptop

This is a discretionary fund allocated to households on low incomes and / or qualifying benefits earning under £37,000 a year gross (£30,000 net), on a first come, first served basis. 

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

and in receipt of one of the following benefits:

• Universal Credit
• Support under part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999
• Income related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
• The guarantee element of Pension Credit 

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.

Tuition is free to all full-time 16 to 18 year olds who are British nationals, EU citizens or who have residence qualifications in the UK. Fees for adults and other nationals are available on request.