There are opportunities available for you to apply for financial support to help with studies. Details are listed below and information on our how to apply can be obtained from the Learner Services team at Reception or at learnerservices@wmcollege.ac.uk .
Learner Financial Support Fund (LFSF)
The Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA) provide us with funds to support learners who wish to continue learning and whose total household income is below £26,000 a year. This is known as the Learner Financial Support Fund (LFSF).
Any support you are given from the fund is on an assessment of your financial circumstances and is distributed on a first come first served basis. We will, in accordance with the funding guidance, further prioritise the funding to priority groups of disadvantaged learners such as:
- Those in care or recently left care
- Those on probation
- Those eligible for fee remission because they are themselves, or they are dependent on someone else who is, receiving a means tested state benefit
- ESOL Learners
- Learners with learner difficulties and/or disabilities
- Those recently made redundant
- Learners who are studying a vocational course at level two and below who are aiming to progress to further higher level study or employment
More detailed information can be found in our Learner Financial Support Policy and Guidance 2022 found here or from Learner Services at Reception.
The 16 to 19 Bursary Fund
If you are under 19 years old on 31 August 2022, you may be eligible for support from the 16-19 Bursary Fund.
The aim of the fund is to help cover some of the financial costs of attending College, such as transport, food, equipment and other course related costs.
There are two types of 16 to 19 bursaries:
- a bursary of up to £1,200 a year for young people (set eligibility criteria is applied)
- discretionary bursaries which the College will award to meet individual needs, for example, help with the cost of transport, meals, books or equipment
Learners who want to apply for support from the bursary fund or to find out if they are eligible should contact a member of the Learner Services team at Reception or at learnerservices@wmcollege.ac.uk .
Care to Learn
Care to Learn is a government scheme that can assist young parents, aged under 20 at the start of their course, with the costs of registered childcare and travelling expenses to and from their childcare provider.
If you are a young parent starting a new course, you can claim up to £175 per week towards the cost of Ofsted registered childcare.
There are no restrictions on the number of hours per week you study, or on the length of the course you take. Payments can cover the periods you are studying in College, and may also be paid during the holidays to retain your place if your course continues the following year.
The money is paid directly to the registered childcare provider.
For further information about the Care to Learn scheme and how to apply, please contact a member of the Learner Services team at Reception or at learnerservices@wmcollege.ac.uk
Welfare Advice & Support
If you have financial worries, are confused about welfare benefits, are facing homelessness, or are on low income and think you might be eligible for support with childcare, travel and course related materials, please contact a member of the Learner Services team at Reception or at learnerservices@wmcollege.ac.uk
