Student Money

If you are thinking about going onto college or sixth form you’re probably wondering how you are going to afford it. Here we give you the basics about surviving financially if you decide to continue onto college or sixth form, and to suggest sources of help.

Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA)

If you are between 16 and 18 and have finished your compulsory schooling you could get paid for staying in education. EMA is a weekly payment of up to £30 a week depending on your household income. To find more details visit www.direct.gov.uk/ema or call the Learner Support helpline on 0800 121 8989.

Care to Learn

If you are a young parent aged 20 or under, the Learner Support Service (formerly known as Care to Learn) can help with your childcare costs if you would like to study. This can be any kind of learning, from a full time course to part time study or voluntary work. The childcare you use must be registered e.g. a childminder, a nursery, a crèche or pre-school group. For more information either visit the website direct.gov.uk or call the Learner Support helpline on 0800 121 8989.

Adult Learning Grant (ALG)

If you are 19 or over, earning less than £30,000 a year and thinking about studying towards your first NVQ level 2 or 3, GCSEs or A levels then you could apply for an ALG. It could be worth up to £30 per week. To find out more call the Learner Support helpline on 0800 121 8989.

Help from your college

Most colleges will have a learner or student support fund. This fund gives financial help to students who are, or are dependant on someone with, low or no income. It is a limited fund so apply early. If you feel you may need it talk to the student services department as soon as you know you are applying to do a course. The numbers are listed in this leaflet.

If you are planning to study at a school 6th form and are in particular financial difficulty talk to someone at your school as there maybe extra help available.

Travel

If you live in Bedfordshire, you can apply for a bus pass to get to school or college if you are going to attend the 6th form at the school in your catchment area or the nearest college to you that provides the course you want. You can only apply for a pass if you live more than 3 miles walking distance away from where you want to study. It costs £101 per term or £273 for the year, or if your parents get benefits you may get it free.

Apply as soon as you know you are applying to college or 6th form. To get an application form either call 01234 228431, or drop into your school or college. If you have any special educational or physical requirements let either your council or college know in advance as there may be further help available. Your Connexions PA can help you contact these people if you need them to.