This is Government funding managed by the College and is intended to provide financial help to any resident in the UK whose access to learning might be inhibited by financial restraints or those that are facing financial difficulties.
Funding is available to assist students of all ages on any course and contribute towards the costs associated with studying.
The support may for example take the form of assistance with childcare fees, purchase of course equipment, tuition fees, transport or even general living expenses for the duration of the course.
Students requesting assistance will be required to complete an application form regarding their financial circumstances ensuring all relevant documentation is enclosed. This information is required in order to ensure that all applicants are assessed fairly and in a just manner. The application should then be submitted to the Student Finance Officer in the Advice & Support Centre. You may apply to the fund as required during your studies, if for example circumstances have altered or an unexpected cost has arisen.
The Assessment Panel will take a number of factors into consideration. These will include:
- The availability of mandatory & discretionary awards from Local Authorities
- The availability of alternative sources of financial support, e.g. Career Development Loan, etc
- The student's individual circumstances, (details to be provided on the application form or supplementary letter)
- Types of need prevalent locally
- Existing local schemes
Applicants should be advised that payments may have implications for their entitlement to Social Security benefits, particularly income support, family credit, housing benefit and certain Social Fund payments. Any queries should be taken up with the DSS or appropriate authority.
The Assessment Panel aims to meet each month when applicable urgent applications can be considered. Once the application has been considered the student will be informed of the decision and award amount by letter.
All information will of course be held in the strictest of confidence and all financial evidence will be returned. (Copies may be taken for audit purposes only)