FINANCIAL SUPPORT
Discretionary Funding for Further Education
What is DISCRETIONARY FUNDING? This is a Government grant to eligible students. It is paid each term direct to the student to be used to help pay for travel, books/equipment, and additional costs etc. A DF Grant is only available for 2 academic years, the current rate is £150 per term. Who is eligible? The student must be:
- In full-time education
- AGED 16-19 yrs
- Experiencing financial hardship
- Homeless/vulnerable students (those not able to live in the family home) and Disabled Students take priority.
- receive INCOME SUPPORT or WORKING FAMILY TAX CREDIT
- Other families who are experiencing financial hardship may be considered in certain circumstances.
- Application forms are available from the Finance Office. Please telephone (01704-530601) for advice. Students should collect the form from the office on the first day of term.
- Completed forms together with up to date evidence of Benefits MUST be returned by the closing date. Late applications may only be considered in exceptional circumstances.
- Applications will be processed in 10 WORKING DAYS. Notices are published in the daily BULLETIN when cheque's are ready.
- Applicants are not normally interviewed.
- Renewal of grant in January and April depends on having made satisfactory academic progress and to have achieved a 90% attendance. Those students who fail these criteria will be interviewed by a member of the Senior Management team. How do I APPEAL about a decision? If you wish to make an appeal against a decision please write to the CHAIR OF THE APPEALS COMMITTEE at the College. All Appeals will be dealt with in 10 working days.
