If you’re aged 16-19, studying or starting a full-time course from September 2011 and think you might struggle with the costs for your studies, schools, colleges and training providers have funds to help you. The students most in need will be eligible to receive a bursary of £1,200 a year.

Who can apply for learner support bursary?

If you have left school at the end of Year 11 and you are continuing your full-time education, for example at school or college, or you have started training with a learning provider, for example on a Foundation Learning Programme, and you are having financial problems continuing your education or training, then you can apply for a bursary.  This financial support may be able to help you with the general costs of continuing your education or training, including the cost of travel, books, equipment or childcare.

Note that this financial support will be limited and discretionary.  It will be targeted at those in full-time learning who are facing genuine financial barriers to continuing in learning, and it will be aimed at helping those most vulnerable students who need it most.

How do I apply?

The funds will be administered by the learning providers themselves, including colleges. If you think you will have financial difficulties continuing your full-time learning, you will need to ask your learning provider about the bursary.

Where can I get further help and information?

If you need further help and information:

• Contact Student Services, if you are at college
• Contact your tutor, if you are at school or with a learning provider