If you are aged 16-18 you could be eligible for financial support!
What is Financial Support?
Financial support is available to students who face the greatest barriers to entering, continuing and succeeding in Further Education.
For 16-18 year olds, funds are provided by the Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA) to colleges and then distributed to those students whose effective participation in education and training may not be possible without the provision of appropriate levels of financial support.
Does this include course fees? If you are aged 16-18, there are no course fees payable.
Who can apply?
Any student enrolled on an eligible course (check with a member of staff in the Student Hub) and the household income is £30,000 or below per year.
Support can be provided for:
- Travel passes
- Lunch (free school meals)
- Printing credit
- Educational visits
- Essential equipment
Frequently asked questions
Any student enrolled on an eligible course (check with a member of staff in the Student Hub) and the household income is £30,000 or below per year.
Students are eligible for a free meal if they:
Are aged between 16 and 18 on 31 August 2023. (For a free meal in the academic year from September.)
Have their 19th birthday during their study programme: they remain eligible for a free meal until the end of the academic year in which that birthday occurs, or to the end of their study programme, whichever is sooner.
Are aged between 19 and 25 and are subject to a Learning Difficulty Assessment (LDA) or Education Health and Care Plan (EHC Plan) and ESF students attending their provision if they meet the eligibility criteria.
Are in receipt of, or have parents who are in receipt of, one or more of the following benefits:
- Income Support
- Job Seekers’ Allowance
- Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
- Support under Part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999
- State Pension Credit
- Child/Working Tax Credit
- Universal Credit
If you have been awarded a bus pass, or a scratch card day saver (if you are part-time), you will need to collect these from the Student Hub.
If you live outside the West Midlands the Student Hub will advise you about your travel, as the college is able to support other bus services such as Arriva.
The free school meal allowance is added to your ID card make sure you bring it with you every day. It can be presented in the Student café area at point of payment.
Any other financial support you require, which may include educational visits, equipment and other relevant course costs, will be organised by your tutor. However, if you are having other financial difficulties that are not included within this application process, please speak to the Student Hub team for advice.
Useful links
Careers guidance
Whether you are a school leaver or someone who is considering taking a change in direction with your career, speak to one of our Careers Guidance Team about your options.
Additional learning support
If you have a learning difficulty, disability or medical condition which means you need some extra help on your course, staff from the additional learning support team will assess your needs and discuss the options available to help you during your time at college.
Counselling services
Counselling offers a safe and confidential environment where thoughts and feelings can be explored at a pace that is comfortable. To feel listened to and understood without being judged; through this experience life can move in a direction that is positive for the individual.