Lifestyle :FinanceStudent MoneyIf 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 Schools and Connexions centres will have application forms from March/April or you can apply direct by calling 0808 1016219. Care to LearnIf you are a young parent aged 20 or under 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 call the care to learn helpline on 0845 600 2809 or email caretolearn@manchester.gov.uk 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 0800 100 900 or visit www.adultlearninggrant.com Help from your collegeMost 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. TravelIf 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. If you live in Luton and are going to study at any 6th form or college in Luton, or at Dunstable College, you can get a Post 16 Saver card. This costs you £10 and enables you to get discounted rates on both Centrebus or Arriva buses. You have to be studying on a full time course and be under 19 when you start the course. To get an application form speak to the student services department in the college or 6th form you are going to be studying. If you are planning to study out of county or have any special requirements call Luton Borough Council on 01582 547238. Useful ContactsEMA - www.direct.gov.uk/ema or 0808 10 16219 Care to learn - www.dfes.gov.uk/caretolearn or 0845 600 2809 ALG - www.adultlearninggrant.com or 0800 100 900 Local contactsBarnfield College – 01582 569600 Luton 6th Form - 01582 877585 Dunstable College - 01582 477776 Shuttleworth College - 01767 62622 Bedford College - 01234 291934 |