Are you aged 16-18 and interested in studying with us but worried about money?

We're here to help!

For information on help for students aged 19+ please click here.

Help with your travel costs

We are committed to supporting students with travel costs and so we will be offering a subsidised travel scheme for full time Further Education (FE) students aged 16-18, studying at the College in September 2011. We are working through the exact details of this offer in partnership with local transport providers but travel could cost as little as 55p per day, with extra help for those who are eligible. We are also looking at ways to support you if you wish to travel to College by bicycle. Depending on your circumstances, help will be available to support your travel costs.

Help with other (non-travel) costs

Educational Maintenance Allowance (EMA)

The Government has changed its plans to completely withdraw EMA next year and has put some transitional support in place. If you first started to receive EMA in 2009/10 or in 2010/11 then you may now still be eligible for EMA in 2011/12. If you currently receive EMA then you should be contacted by the National EMA Learner Support Service before the start of your course, to advise you of your entitlement.

16-18 Student Bursary

The Government will be providing us with extra funds to help to support you if you are not eligible for EMA. As soon as the details are finalised we will be working to target these funds to support students with the greatest needs. Depending on your circumstances, help will be available to support you.

Benefits which could help you and your family

Did you know that you/your family could be entitled to benefits to help support you, if you are studying with us in September 2011?

Child Benefit

Your family is still entitled to Child Benefit after you turn 16, if you are in most types of full time, further education or training. This is usually paid until the age of 20, as long as you were accepted / enrolled on the course before your 19th birthday.

Click here for information on Child Benefit

Child Tax Credits

Did you know that if you are aged 16 to 19 and are in most types of full time, further education or training, your family can still claim Tax Credit?

Click here for information on Child Tax Credits

Childcare

Teenaged parents may be able to access full childcare support through the Care to Learn Scheme. Ask the Student Finance Team or visit www.direct.gov.uk/caretolearn for more details.