Further Education in England – who pays?

All young people have to stay in education or training at least part-time until they are 18 years old. Such education will usually be provided through a school sixth form, a Sixth Form College or through Further Education colleges. There are also private colleges, such as those in the performing arts.

In addition, there are a number of government-funded, work-based learning schemes. These are designed either to provide the opportunity to obtain a NVQ or to help the student gain the skills to work.

Generally, no fees are payable (unless the college is private) provided certain criteria are met. The course must be full time and there are also residence conditions. Essentially the student must have been ‘ordinarily resident’ in the UK or an EEA country for 3 years, though not for the purposes of study.

Colleges normally charge part-time students and those over 18. However, a student under 19 on a part-time course may be entitled to a reduced fee.

Students over 19 who are receiving benefits may also be exempt from fees.

Even students at performing arts colleges can get financial help with their fees through local authority awards. Applications are made through designated colleges but there is competition for these awards.

To apply for an award, students must be between the ages of 16 and 23 for dance courses and 18 and 23 for drama courses and must be attending one of 17 listed schools.

Financial help

Apart from the fees there is other financial help available. Some of it is government funded and the rest could come from a variety of sources:

Additional areas to think about:

(this is the same as discretionary learner support) Entry to Employment (e2e)
Modern Apprenticeships
Company sponsorship
Charitable funding

Depending on your circumstances and the subject you’re studying, you may be able to get help with the costs of:

your course
day-to-day living costs
childcare

Discretionary Learner Support (DLS)

These funds can help with a wide range of needs – from hardship, to childcare and transport costs, to tuition, and disability-related costs. Application is usually made through the college, which sets its own criteria. The college will need proof of the student’s income and expenditure. Priority is given to students with the greatest need – e.g. lone parents, socially or financially disadvantaged students, or students with learning difficulties.

Care to learn

Under this scheme childcare and travel costs may be available for young parents under 20 years of age who are pursuing a course that has some public funding, either full or part time. The childcare provider must be registered with Ofsted.

Some funds are mutually exclusive, which means that if you claim under one fund you may not be able to apply through another – for example, childcare costs.

Members of the ‘guaranteed’ group who cannot find a training place or where there is a delay in starting a training course may be eligible for a short, preparatory course.

Modern apprenticeships

This is work-based training for young people aged 16 to 24. Learning and assessment takes place at the place of employment. But there may also be attendance at a college or training centre.

You are treated as an employee and will be paid wages and have to pay tax. You cannot be in full-time education at the same time.

Some extra financial help may be available to cover travel or childcare.

You will enter into a Training Agreement with your employer. How long the Apprenticeship lasts will depend on a number of factors, but it could be from 1 to 5 years.

National Apprenticeships Helpline – 0800 015 0400 (8am to 10pm, 7 days a week)

https://www.gov.uk/topic/further-education-skills/apprenticeships

Career development loan

This is a loan from a bank specifically for the purpose of helping to pay for certain work-related learning. You must be at least 18 to be eligible. Repayments start at least a month after the training stops. They are made available through the Learning and Skills Council and The Co-operative Bank. They can cover a large proportion of the course fees, course costs and living expenses. You may be able to borrow between £300 and £10,000.

Contact National Careers Service for further advice on Professional and Career Development Loans – 0800 100 900.

https://www.gov.uk/career-development-loans

Sponsorship

Some companies will sponsor an employee. This would normally cover tuition fees and, occasionally, living costs. Application would have to be made to the employer direct.

Charitable funding

Some charities (for example, educational trusts) have funds available for particular groups of students who are unable to undertake or continue a course due to lack of financial resources. Such funding cannot be relied on as there are often many applicants for a limited amount of money.

A student may have to apply to several such organisations to cover different aspects of the course. The applicants will have to meet the charity’s criteria and there are also strict deadlines for applications.

Bursaries

These are similar to scholarships and, again, vary from organisation to organisation. The armed forces and the NHS are two such providers.

Funding if you’re on benefits

If you’re on income-related benefits you might be able get help through the Family Action Grants Programme.

While you’re studying you may be eligible for benefits like:

Funding for essential skills

In most cases you won’t have to pay for Level 1 and 2 English and maths courses at Learndirect. You also might be able to take other courses with them for free.

Loans for learners aged 24 and older

If you’re aged 24 or older on the first day of your course, you can apply for an Advanced Learner Loan. You won’t have to start repaying the loan until you finish your studies and are earning a good salary.

Contact the student finance department at the institution where you study to find out more.