Advice on Finances
Taking REAL care of you
Some learners are eligible for support from the Learner Hardship Fund to help with the cost of study whilst at college. This may include contributions towards books, equipment, travel, childcare and trips and visits. Parents under the age of 20 may also be entitled to support with childcare costs through the Care to Learn scheme.
For more information on the help available contact our Learner Support Centres at Booth Lane or Daventry.
Lone Parents
We advise that all lone parents on income support who are considering a full or part time course, contact Jobcentre Plus on 0800 917 1745 to arrange financial support for childcare, travel, books, equipment and fees before contacting us. However, if there is no support available from that source, lone parents may also contact the College, as we may be able to provide help under the Learner Hardship Fund.
Educational Maintenance Allowance (EMA)
EMA is a government funded scheme designed to assist learners with the cost of coming to college. The scheme is means tested on household income, and you could be entitled to up to £30 per week, which should be used to support you with the cost of books, equipment and travelling to college. You may be entitled to EMA if there is a household income of less than £30,810. Please contact Learner Support for further information or the EMA hotline on 0800 121 8989.
The EMA application pack is available from the Learner Support Centres.
Adult Learning Grant
The Adult Learning Grant (ALG) is a means tested allowance of up to £30 per weekavailable to adults resident in England who are studying full-time for a first full Level 2 or first full Level 3 qualification. It’s open to everyone aged 19 or over as long as you are a full time learner. In order to establish
your entitlement, you‘ll need to undergo a financial assessment, and this will be based on your income and that of any co-habiting partner.
For more information, please contact Learner Support or the ALG hotline on 0800 121 8989.
More information is available on applying by contacting the Learner Support Centres
Learner Hardship Fund (LHF)
The LHF is available to eligible learners who need help with the cost of equipment, course materials and text books, uniform, trips and residentials, travel and childcare. Learners must be on an LSC funded course and be either in receipt of an income based benefit or have a household income below £20,817.
Eligible learners will also have been resident in the UK or European Union for purposes other than education for the last three years, or have indefinite leave to remain without restrictions.
For more information on the LHF call the Learner Support Centre at Booth Lane on 01604 734066 or at Daventry on 01604 736306. Alternatively download an application form.
For more information on the LHF click here
Army Further Education (FE) Bursary Scheme
The Army has teamed up with Northampton College to offer the Army FE Bursary Scheme. Under this scheme, you’ll get
£1,000 while you’re at College, and when you join the Army at the end of the course, you’ll train for a job and start an exciting career. Once you’ve completed Army training, you’ll then qualify for a further £1,000. You could choose a course in IT, Engineering, Catering, Public Services, or Motor Vehicle Repair. To register your interest in this scheme, please apply for your college course and tell our staff that you would like to apply for an Army bursary. An Army Careers Advisor will then contact you.
For more information click here.