Financial Support

You could receive financial help to support you with the cost of coming to college including food, uniform, equipment, books and childcare.

Types of Support

• 16-19 Discretionary Bursary
• 19+ Discretionary Learner Support
• 19+ Advanced Learning Loans Bursary Fund
• 16-19 Vulnerable Bursary

Learner Support Funds

If you have a household income of £36,216 or below or someone in the household is in receipt of benefits, we may be able to support you financially.

All funds are distributed on a needs basis and are subject to affordability. The fund has three levels of support based on income:

Band 1
Up to £24,447

Band 2
£24,447 – £29,878

Band 3
£29,878 – £36,216

Students in Band 1 may get up to 100% of any award, Band 2 – 60% and Band 3 – 30%.

Funding is available to students studying a course which is funded by the ESFA. You cannot receive this support if you are studying a HE course, Apprenticeship or any other course not funded by the ESFA.

What Can I Claim For?

Meals – Your college card can be activated with meal credits to spend in Munch or Starbucks.

Equipment and Uniform – Essential equipment and uniform can be funded if it is a requirement for the course.

Trips and Enrichment – Trips and enrichment can be funded if offered as part of the course.

Work Placement – Travel to work placement can be funded if needed.

Travel – In extenuating circumstances, transport costs can be funded. This is only available to students who are not able to catch the college coaches and is decided on an individual basis.

Childcare – For students aged 20 and over, you can apply for support towards Childcare whilst you are attending college. To receive a form for childcare, please contact Natalie Rawlins on 0121 602 7777 Ext. 7519 or email nrawlins@halesowen.ac.uk.

For students under 20 years of age in need of Childcare support, please refer to www.gov.uk/care-to-learn.

Payments

Any payments made to you will be paid by BACS. Bank details must be in the student’s name.* Direct payments to a student are only made when a student meets certain eligibility criteria.

*Exceptions can be made if there are extenuating circumstances.

Vulnerable Bursary

If you are 16-18 years old on 31/08/2019 and in care or recently left care or you are personally in receipt of benefits, you may be able to access a bursary paid weekly, of up to £1,200 per year. For a confidential discussion, call Sue Crowley on 0121 602 7777 Ext. 7611 or email scrowley@halesowen.ac.uk.

Applying for Financial Support

Complete the attached application form and provide the required household income evidence. This should be returned to the Student Hub at the Whittingham Road Campus or Shenstone House Campus in person or by post.

Funds are finite and are allocated on a first come first served basis.

Contact Us

Please contact us if you have any queries regarding financial support using the following details:

Student Hub, Whittingham Road
Student Hub, Shenstone House
Phone: 0121 602 7688
Email: studentservices@halesowen.ac.uk