Advice on Finances
Taking REAL care of you
Bursary Fund
From September 2011 young people who need financial support to help them study at college can apply for the new 16-18 Bursary Fund. Students who are: in care, care leavers, receiving income support independently or disabled young people receiving both Employment Support Allowance and Disability Living Allowance will be eligible for a guaranteed bursary of up to £1,200 a year. Other young people facing financial difficulties may apply for a discretionary bursary to help with the cost of coming to college.
Student Support Fund
The Student Support Fund is a discretionary means tested fund for students aged 19 and over at the beginning of their course. Help may be available to assist with the cost of compulsory equipment, books, trips and uniform required for your course and in exceptional circumstances, travel.
The 20+ Childcare Support Fund is available to those on low incomes to assist with the cost of childcare for your timetabled hours (term time only). Students are expected to contribute towards the cost of the childcare provision which must be Ofsted registered. For those aged under 20 at the start of their course, the Care to Learn scheme is available to assist with the cost of childcare for your course.
For all students who require more information on studying whilst in receipt of benefits, other forms of financial assistance such as Care to Learn or support with personal issues including homelessness, please contact a member of Student Services staff.
Educational Maintenance Allowance (EMA) and
Adult learning Grant (ALG)
These grants are no longer available to new students and have been replaced by the new Bursary Fund for students aged 16-18 and a discretionary Student Support Fund for students aged 19 and over.
If you applied successfully for EMA in 2009/10 you will continue to receive the same level of weekly payments while you study in 2011/12.
If you first applied successfully for the maximum EMA payment of £30 a week in 2010/11 you’ll receive £20 a week while you study in 2011/12.
If you received ALG in 2010/2011 and are continuing with your course in 2011/12 you’ll continue to receive it until your course finishes in June 2012.
Lone Parents
We advise that all lone parents on income support who are considering a full or part time course, contact Jobcentre Plus to arrange financial support for childcare, travel, books, equipment and fees before contacting us. If there is no support available from Jobcentre Plus lone parents may be eligable for the Student Hardship Fund.
Helena Kennedy Foundation
This is a grant of £1500 payable over three years to assist students who have overcome significant barriers to their education and who will anticipate financial difficulties. As a college we can send 5 applications to be considered for funding. Application forms are available from all Student Support Centres and must be submitted back to Student Services by 9th March 2012.
Kenneth Horne Foundation
Scholarships are offered to one student studying at Booth Lane and another student at Daventry or Lower Mounts who are progressing to Higher Education. Successful applicants would be those who have difficulty in accepting place in Higher Education without the financial assistance. If you would like to recommend a student, please email their name and address with a supporting statement to Julie Kennedy in Student Services. Recommendations need to be received by 9th March 2012.
University of Leicester Bursary
This is a cash award of £1000 to assist students who will anticipate financial difficulties. As a college we can send 5 applications to be considered for funding. Applicants must have made the University of Leicester their firm choice and be starting a course in September 2012. Application forms are available from all Student Support Centres and must be submitted back to Student Services by 9th March 2012.
Thomas White Grant
This is a discretionary award designed to assist with the costs of coming to college. Students, who must be 16 – 25 and have been resident in the Borough of Northampton for 3 years, who are experiencing financial hardship are encouraged to apply. Application forms are available from Student Services at all 3 sites.
Want to find out more?
Our Student Services Centres are based in: H Block (Room H14) at Booth Lane, the Atrium area at Daventry, and the Skills Centre at Lower Mounts.
Alternatively, you can call the Student Services Team on 01604 734066 (Booth Lane), 01604 736306 (Daventry), or 01604 734818 (Lower Mounts). You can also email us.