Discretionary Support Fund
Discretionary Support Funds are available in colleges and school
sixth forms to help with learning costs. The funds are prioritised
for those who face financial hardship and can be used to help with
additional costs, such as:
- financial hardship and emergencies
- childcare costs (for Ofsted registered childcare)
- accommodation costs (for those who have to study further than
the maximum distance from home)
- essential course-related equipment, materials and field
trips
- travel costs (for over 18s)
Colleges and sixth forms will take into account whether there
are alternative sources of help available.
Eligibility
To be eligible for the fund, applicants must be over the age of
16 and must have been accepted onto - and be studying - a programme
of learning funded by the Learning and Skills Council.
Colleges determine which priority groups to consider for the
fund and maximum amounts they can award. An example of common
priority groups are:
- students, such as those who are on a low income or receiving
benefits
- those aged over 19 who don't have a Level 2 qualification
- students who have been in care or on probation, young parents
and others considered 'at risk'
Further information
Applications for the fund should be made through the college’s
Student Support or Welfare Office.