Financial Support for School Leavers

DISCRETIONARY LEARNER SUPPORT FUND (DLSF)

If you are under the age of 19 on the first day of your course, your full-time course will be free of charge.

In addition, financial assistance may be available to support with course-related expenses such as educational visits, essential equipment, uniforms, and books. This support is intended for students who received free school meals or whose household income is below £37,000 per year.

FREE EDUCATION MEALS

Students from low-income households may be entitled to receive free meals while attending college. Meal credits are added directly to student ID cards and can be used at the College’s catering outlets.

From the 2025–2026 academic year, the daily meal allowance will increase to £3.50. Meal credits will be allocated only for the days you are timetabled to attend college, so the total weekly value will vary depending on your individual timetable.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify, students must meet the following:

· Be aged 16 to 18 on 31 August 2025

· Be aged 19 or over and continuing on a study programme that began before they turned 19

· Or hold a current Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP)

In addition, the student or their parent/guardian must be in receipt of one or more of the following benefits:

· Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)

· Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)

· Income Support Allowance

· Support under Part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999

· The Guarantee element of State Pension Credit

· Universal Credit, with net earnings not exceeding £7,400 per year or £616.66 per month

Vulnerable Learner Bursary

The Learner Support Fund provides financial assistance to students who may face barriers to continuing in further education due to economic or social circumstances. Priority is given to students from low-income backgrounds or those living independently.

Students aged 16 to 18 on 31 August 2025 may be eligible for a bursary of up to £1,200 (subject to individual circumstances, attendance, and performance) if they meet any of the following criteria:

· Are currently in care

· Have recently left care

· Receive Universal Credit in their own name

· Receive Disability Living Allowance (DLA) or Personal Independence Payment (PIP) in their own name and also receive Universal Credit

· Live independently with a tenancy agreement

How to Apply

Application forms are available via:

· The Student Portal

· QR codes located throughout the college

· The Welfare Desk on Floor 3 – The Hub

Students are encouraged to apply as early as possible. Please ensure:

· The form is fully and accurately completed

· All relevant supporting evidence is attached

· You notify the Welfare Team of any changes to your personal or financial circumstances that may affect eligibility

Important Information

· All support is subject to an eligibility assessment and availability of funds

· Students must maintain a minimum 80% attendance with all absences reported through official college procedures

· Longer periods of absence may still be considered for funding if supported by relevant documentation (e.g. hospital letters)

· Please note, apprenticeship programmes are not eligible for bursary funding

· Eligibility is subject to meeting the Department for Education funding criteria as set out here.

Please note: Each academic term has its own application deadline, and late submissions cannot be accepted. It is the student’s responsibility to apply on time and meet all stated requirements.

Need Help or More Information?

Contact the Welfare Team: [email protected]

0121 667 5073

Visit us at The Hub, Floor 3 – Sandwell College

Disclaimer

· Submitting an application does not guarantee funding

· All awards are subject to eligibility criteria and available budget

· Students are responsible for submitting accurate information and required evidence

· Students must submit applications only for themselves and not on behalf of other students

· Funding may be withdrawn if attendance or conduct falls below college expectations