College Life
Help with finance
If you are struggling with your course because of financial difficulties, you may be able to get help with some of the costs of essentials (e.g. equipment) for your course, through the Learner Support Fund.
There is a limited supply of funding available so early application is advised.
Learner Support Fund Application Forms are available from College Centre Receptions or from the Guidance Centre in Manchester Road, and should be completed with your tutor or the member of staff who enrols you. If you need help, contact the Student Finance Officer in the Guidance Centre on 01204 907493.
If you are aged 16 –18 you may be able to get financial help through the Education Maintenance Allowance (E.M.A).
If you are aged 19 or older and taking your first full Level 2 or Level 3 course, you may be able to get financial help from the Adult Learning Grant.
Adult Learning Grant (ALG)
ALG is a weekly payment worth up to £30 for full time students who are aged 19 or older, and who are taking their first full Level 2 or Level 3 course. The weekly allowance is paid at 3 levels - £10, £20 and £30 depending on household income.
You can apply for the ALG if:
- You are aged 19 or older
- You are studying full time for your first full Level 2 or Level 3 qualification
- Your household income is £19,513 or below if single, or joint income of £30,810 if married or live with a partner as if married (2008-09 figures).
- You are supporting your studies yourself i.e. you must not be getting support from EMA, New Deal, or Apprenticeship; nor must you be in receipt of out of work benefits such as JSA, Income Support or Incapacity Benefit.
- Payment is based on satisfactory attendance. All payments will be made direct to students own bank accounts.
Please contact Student Services in the Guidance Centre on 01204 907493.
Education Maintenance Allowance (E.M.A.)
E.M.A. is a weekly payment worth up to £30 for full time students who are aged 16 – 18 and wish to continue in further education. They may also receive periodic bonuses of £100 if they make good progress with their learning and stay on their course. Bonuses are payable in February and July.
The weekly allowance is paid at 3 levels - £10, £20 and £30 depending on household income.
Learners will be guaranteed EMA at the same amount for a period of up to three years if eligible. Should household income decrease from year to year a learner may apply for re-assessment at the beginning of the next academic year. The EMA guarantee will give a young person the security to allow them to look ahead to completing their programme of study.
You can apply for E.M.A. if:
- You are aged 16 – 18 years old
- Your household income is £30,810 or below
- You are on a full time further education course (such as AS/A2 Levels, GNVQs, NVQs or GCSEs) in school sixth forms, sixth form colleges or FE colleges.
E.M.A. is now payable to learners on Entry To Employment (E2E) programmes at the College. Learners starting an E2E programme of study on or after 30th June 2008 will receive £30 per week regardless of their household income.
All learners must fulfil attendance, punctuality and course requirements to qualify for E.M.A. and must stay on the course and make good progress in order to receive weekly and bonus payments. Child benefit and Child Tax Credits will be extended to the families of these learners.
All payments will be made direct to students own bank accounts.
The E.M.A. payments will not affect any other benefits students or their families are receiving. It is paid in addition to other support and benefits provided by the Government. It does not affect parents Child Benefit and it will not affect any money students earn from a part time job.
If you would like any more information on E.M.A. please telephone 01204 907062 and ask for the E.M.A. Co-ordinator.
