Financial help may be available, depending on the course you plan to study, where you study or whether you need extra help.
16-19 Bursary Scheme
The 16-19 Bursary Scheme replaces the EMA grant. Further education colleges and school sixth forms have funds available to help students with learning costs. These funds are usually prioritised for those who face financial hardship and may need support to be able to remain in education. Schools and colleges manage their own funds and set their own procedures and criteria.
To find out more you need to speak to your student support or welfare officer or go to the Department for Education website for further details.
Students with disabilities
If you need additional support or equipment because of a disability and/or learning difficulties then you may be able to get extra help from your school or college. Your Guidance Adviser will be able to help you find out what is available.
Dance and Drama awards
These are for students over the age of 16 who want to work in the performing arts and attend one of the 22 accredited providers. The award pays for most of the tuition fee associated with the course but students will also be expected to make a contribution. Visit the Department for Education website for futher information.
Care to Learn
If you are a parent aged under 20 and planning to go back into learning, the Care to Learn scheme can help with your child care costs.
You can study full or part-time, at school or college, or take part in work based training. Whatever you do, as long as you use a registered childcare provider to look after your child, Care to Learn will help towards the costs.
Care to Learn pays up to £160 per child per week to help towards the costs of:
- childcare while you're learning
- any registration fees you need to pay
- fees you may need to pay during the holidays to keep your childcare place open
- additional travel costs you have to pay to take your child from home to your child care provider
Your Guidance Adviser can help you find out more about your options and the Care to Learn scheme.
To find out more about the scheme and how to request an application pack visit the Care to Learn website.
Residential Support / Bursary schemes
If the course you plan to study is not offered locally you may be able to get some financial help towards the cost of your term time accommodation. Detailed information on the support available and eligible courses can be found on the Direct Gov website.
Local charities and grants
There are charities that award small grants to students from their local area. These may be funds to help with the costs of books and equipment, or even additional activities such as travel. You can find out whether there are any schemes in your area from your local library.
Bursaries and awards
From September 2009, the Armed Forces have been offering Further Education bursaries to students on vocational courses at local colleges. Visit the Armed Forces website for further information.
