Money Matters

PiggybankWho is eligible for financial support?

If you are considering gaining a qualification or improving your skills, the financial side of your education may be a worry. Whatever your situation; whether you are entering further education for the first time, wanting to improve your basic skills or perhaps considering a career change, you may be eligible for financial assistance. At Strode, with our dedicated student support staff, including one officer advising exclusively on financial matters, we will do everything we can to help you get the support you need. With all of this help available, and the future benefits of boosting your skills, how can you afford not to look into FE?

 

Ages 16-18

If you are aged 16 - 18 you may be eligible for an Educational Maintenance Allowance (EMA) of up to £30 per week, plus the possibility of £100 bonuses, paid directly into your bank account, to spend in any way you choose. This is a means tested benefit, based on household income. Any home with an income of under £30,810 may apply.  To check your eligibility you may wish to contact the Learner Support Helpline on 08001218989. Applications packs should be available from your current school from April onwards or visit www.direct.gov.uk/ema to request an application pack.You can also collect an application pack from the College EMA office in the Information Centre.

If you are struggling with costs such as transport into college and essential materials and equipment for your course, you may be eligible for help from the College Discretionary Learner Support Fund. If you or your parents are in receipt of benefits or are on a low income, we encourage you to contact our Financial Advisor who will be happy to discuss your eligibility with you.

If you are the parent of a child and are aged less than 20 years of age you can apply for financial assistance towards the cost of childcare through the Care To Learn scheme. The aim of Care To Learn is to give financial support to teenage parents who want to continue their education or training and need help with their childcare and travel expenses. For further information contact the Care To Learn helpline 0800 121 8989 or visit www.direct.gov.uk/caretolearn.

 

Ages 19+

There is a range of financial support available to help with the cost of studying:

  • If you are 20 or over and have one or more children the Free Childcare for Training and Learning for Work scheme could help with the cost of childcare while you learn or train.The scheme is aimed at out-of-work parents with a partner who is in work.If you are looking to study on a course that is intended to help you develop new skills which could lead to employment the scheme could provide up to £175 per child each week to help with childcare costs.For more information contact the College Financial Advisor on 01458 844546.
  • Learner Support Fund - Help with additional costs of your course such as course fees, childcare costs, exam fees, books and equipment. The fund is allocated on the basis of need, so those FE students in the greatest financial difficulty will receive the most help.
  • Adult Learning Grant - The Adult Learning Grant of up to £30 per week may be available to l9+ learners who are studying full-time for a First Full Level 2 or 3. Learners should not be in receipt of a means tested benefit or on a New Deal or Apprenticeship. This is a means test grant, assessed on learners income if single (less that £19,513) or in some circumstances including a partner’s income (less than £30,810). Visit the www.direct.gov.uk/alg website for further information or contact the Learner Support helpline 0800 121 8989. 
  • Grants and Bursaries - Some national and local organisations can offer grants to students on particular courses. For more information call the Educational Grants Advisory Service on 02072 496 636.
  • Work-Based Learning - This is a programme that includes work placements and employability training. These programmes suit students who would like to gain a qualification, gain on the job experience but earn upwards of £55 per week.
  • Student Loans - HE Students may wish to apply for a student loans to help with tuition fees and course costs.

 

E2E

Entry to Employment courses enable you to earn as you learn up to £40 per week.