Financial Support
If you are facing financial difficulty, or you need help with your College related expenses, the following may be able to help:
Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA) 2005/6
If you are aged 16-18 you may be able to apply for an Educational Maintenance Allowance whilst you are coming to College. You can receive a maximum of £30 a week, depending on the level of household income. Students should contact their school or College Student Advisory Services for more details. Alternatively, you can find out more by either phoning 080 810 16 2 19, or accessing the EMA website, at www.ema.dfes.gov.uk (opens in new window)
Learner Support Fund
This is to help support students who are having financial difficulty with the costs of coming to College, e.g. travel, childcare, books and equipment. Details and application forms are available from Student Advisory Services.
Career Development Loan
Students who are aged over 18 can apply for a loan. Call Learndirect free on 0800 585 505.
Care To Learn – Childcare
Care to Learn will pay your childcare if you are aged 16-18 or continuing a course at College that you started before you were 19. They will pay for your childcare and any necessary travel costs, up to £5,000 per year per child (to get you to and from your child-carer) once your application has been agreed.
Travel Discount Card
Collect an application form from Student Advisory Services for a 30% discount on a 7-day, monthly or longer period Bus Pass or Travel Card (valid on bus, tube, Docklands Light Railway and Tramlink), with London Transport.
In an emergency
In a financial emergency, e.g. if you lose your Travel Card or purse, you can get instant help with a loan by coming to Student Advisory Services.