Financial Support
Financial Support for full-time students aged 16-18
Warrington & Vale Royal College may be able to support you with costs associated with attending college. For our 16-18 students, we have two possible areas of support, which are as follows:
COLLEGE DISCRETIONARY BURSARY
Who can apply for this support?
Any of our 16-18 students, excluding those enrolled onto an apprenticeship programme, where the total household income is below £33,000 per year. We will need to see evidence such as payslips, or Universal Credit statements. If there are 3 or more children living in the household we may increase the threshold, please speak to the bursary team.
What type of support am I able to receive?
We will consider several areas of support including travel costs (you must live over 1 mile from the campus you study at to receive this type of support), costs for uniform, kit, equipment and compulsory educational visits. If you feel you have other costs associated with studying with us, then please do ask our bursary staff who will consider your request. Please keep in mind that we only purchase or refund costs for kit/equipment/uniform for items which are on the course required kit list and are from the college recommended suppliers. We will not refund items such as branded clothing which are not a requirement of the course. If you are aged under 20 at the start date of your course, and require childcare funding you will need to apply to Care to Learn, further details available at www.gov.uk/care-to-learn or telephone their Student Support Helpline on 0800 121 8989.
How much will I get?
The amount you receive will be dependent upon what type of support you need. For example, the cost of a kit for a Hair programme, will be different to the cost of an art kit.
How will I be paid?
Any financial payments, for example the refund to you for the cost of your uniform, will be paid into your bank account. Please note we can only refund amounts to the student's bank account. It is essential that you have a bank account in your own name, as no cash alternatives will be made. We cannot make payments into a parent/carer bank account, unless you have an appointeeship document.
What evidence will I need to provide?
You will be required to provide evidence of current household income upon application and we may request up to date evidence of your household income at any point during the academic year. The bursary application form provides information as to the type of evidence we will need to see.
How do I apply?
Alternatively, paper copies are available from Learner Services. You will need to provide evidence at the time of application, please be aware that there may be a delay in your application being processed if your form is incomplete, or evidence is missing. If you need support in applying please do ask as we will be more than happy to help you.
What happens after I have applied?
Once we have received your application it will be assessed, at this time we will contact you to advise whether the application has been successful, and if so what your award is. If we require further information or evidence from you we will let you know.
16-19 VULNERABLE BURSARY
For our students who are in care, or care leavers, there is a separate bursary fund known as the Vulnerable Bursary.
Who can apply for this support?
If you are living in care, are a care leaver, or are receiving Income Support, Universal Credit, Employment Support Allowance or PiP together with the Disability Living Allowance, then you may be eligible to receive an award of up to £1,200 a year (pro-rata) in support of education related costs.
What type of support am I able to receive?
We will consider several areas of support including travel costs (you must live over 1 mile from the campus you study at to receive this type of support), costs for uniform, kit, equipment, DBS applications and compulsory educational visits. If you feel you have other costs associated with studying with us, then please do ask our bursary staff who will consider your request. Please keep in mind that we only purchase or refund costs for kit/equipment/uniform for items which are on the course required kit list and are from the college recommended suppliers. We will not refund items such as branded clothing which are not a requirement of the course.
How much will I get?
The amount you receive will be dependent upon what type of support you need. For example, the cost of a kit for a Hair programme, will be different to the cost of an art kit. We cannot award the full amount of £1,200 to you without evidence that the financial support you need to help you attend college totals £1,200. There are no weekly or monthly cash incentives available to Vulnerable Bursary students.
How will I be paid?
Any financial payments, for example the refund to you for the cost of your uniform, will be paid into your bank account. Please note we can only refund amounts to the student's bank account. It is essential that you have a bank account in your own name, as no cash alternatives will be made. We cannot make payments into a parent/carer bank account, unless you have an appointeeship document.
What evidence will I need to provide?
You will be required to provide evidence of your status as a child in care, or a care leaver. This is usually in the form of a letter from the local authority you are engaged with. If the evidence is in respect of benefits in your name, we will require proof of these, for example Universal Credit statements for the previous three months prior to your application.
How do I apply?
Alternatively, paper copies are available from Learner Services. You will need to provide evidence at the time of application, please be aware that there may be a delay in your application being processed if your form is incomplete, or evidence is missing. If you need support in applying please do ask as we will be more than happy to help you.
What happens after I have applied?
Once we have received your application it will be assessed, at this time we will contact you to advise whether the application has been successful, and if so what your award is. If we require further information or evidence from you we will let you know. It is the student’s responsibility to tell the Department for Work and Pensions about any direct funding support that they receive from the College as payments received may affect their eligibility for some benefits.
Financial Support for full-time & part-time adult students aged 19+
Warrington & Vale Royal College may be able to support you with costs associated with attending college.
For our students aged over 19 (who are not in receipt of an Advanced Learner Loan) the details are as follows:
Who can apply for this support?
Any of our 19+ students, excluding those enrolled onto an apprenticeship programme, or those in receipt of an Advanced Learner Loan, where the total household income is below £33,000 per year. If there are 3 or more children living in the household we may increase the threshold, please speak to the bursary team. Household income refers to the total gross taxable income of the household. If you are over 19 and live with parents, we will not take their income into account, just any income or benefits which are paid to you. Please note that if you live in a Greater Manchester postcode area you will need to provide evidence that the Greater Manchester Combined Authority is funding your course before we can award any bursary support to you. You will be given information on applying for GMCA funding when you enrol.
What type of support am I able to receive?
We will consider several areas of support including travel costs (you must live over 1 mile from the campus you study at to receive this type of support), childcare costs, costs for uniform, kit, equipment, DBS applications and compulsory educational visits. We will also consider costs associated with university interviews. If you feel you have other costs associated with studying with us, then please do ask our bursary staff who will consider your request. Please keep in mind that we only purchase or refund costs for kit/equipment/uniform for items which are on the course required kit list and are from the college recommended suppliers. We will not refund items such as branded clothing which are not a requirement of the course.
How much will I get?
The amount you receive will be dependent upon what type of support you need. For example, the cost of a kit for a Hair programme, will be different to the cost of an art kit.
How will I be paid?
Any financial payments, for example the refund to you for the cost of your uniform, will be paid into your bank account. Please note we can only refund amounts to the student’s bank account. It is essential that you have a bank account in your own name, as no cash alternatives will be made. We cannot make payments into a parent/carer bank account, unless you have an appointeeship document. Any childcare payments are made direct to the childcare provider by ourselves.
What evidence will I need to provide?
You will be required to provide evidence of current household income upon application and we may request up to date evidence of your household income at any point during the academic year. The bursary application form provides information as to the type of evidence we will need to see. You can find the bursary application and evidence information via the following link
How do I apply?
You can apply for the bursary electronically via the following link. Alternatively, paper copies are available from Learner Services. You will need to provide evidence at the time of application, please be aware that there may be a delay in your application being processed if your form is incomplete, or evidence is missing. If you need support in applying please do ask as we will be more than happy to help you.
What happens after I have applied?
Once we have received your application it will be assessed, at this time we will contact you to advise whether the application has been successful, and if so what your award is. If we require further information or evidence from you we will let you know. It is the student’s responsibility to tell the Department for Work and Pensions about any direct funding support that they receive from the College as payments received may affect their eligibility for some benefits.
Advanced Learner Loans Financial Support
Warrington & Vale Royal College may be able to support you with costs associated with attending college. For our students aged over 19 who are in receipt of an Advanced Learner Loan, the details are as follows:
Who can apply for this support?
Any of our 19+ students, who have applied for and have been awarded an Advanced Learner Loan, where the total household income is below £33,000 per year. Household income refers to the total gross taxable income of the household. If you are over 19 and live with parents, we will not take their income into account, just any income or benefits which are paid to you. You will still need to be in receipt of the Advanced Learner Loan. If there are 3 or more children under 18 living in the household we may increase the threshold, please speak to the bursary team.
What type of support am I able to receive?
We will consider several areas of support including travel costs (you must live over 1 mile from the campus you study at to receive this type of support), childcare costs (full time students only), costs for uniform, kit, equipment, DBS applications and compulsory educational visits. We will also consider costs associated with university interviews. If you feel you have other costs associated with studying with us, then please do ask our bursary staff who will consider your request. Please keep in mind that we only purchase or refund costs for kit/equipment/uniform for items which are on the course required kit list and are from the college recommended suppliers. We will not refund items such as branded clothing which are not a requirement of the course.
How much will I get?
The amount you receive will be dependent upon what type of support you need. For example, the cost of a kit for a Hair programme, will be different to the cost of an art kit.
How will I be paid?
Any financial payments, for example the refund to you for the cost of your uniform, will be paid into your bank account. Please note we can only refund amounts to the student’s bank account. It is essential that you have a bank account in your own name, as no cash alternatives will be made. We cannot make payments into a parent/carer bank account, unless you have an appointeeship document. Any childcare payments are made direct to the childcare provider by ourselves.
What evidence will I need to provide?
You will be required to provide evidence of current household income upon application and we may request up to date evidence of your household income at any point during the academic year. The bursary application form provides information as to the type of evidence we will need to see. You can find the bursary application and evidence information via the following link.
How do I apply?
You can apply for the bursary electronically via the following link. Alternatively, paper copies are available from Learner Services. You will need to provide evidence at the time of application, please be aware that there may be a delay in your application being processed if your form is incomplete, or evidence is missing. If you need support in applying please do ask as we will be more than happy to help you.
What happens after I have applied?
Once we have received your application it will be assessed, at this time we will contact you to advise whether the application has been successful, and if so what your award is. If we require further information or evidence from you we will let you know. It is the student’s responsibility to tell the Department for Work and Pensions about any direct funding support that they receive from the College as payments received may affect their eligibility for some benefits.
Financial Support for HE Students
Depending upon your circumstances, Warrington & Vale Royal College may be able to support you with any additional costs you are struggling with, which are not covered by the HE Loan you have been awarded. You must be in receipt of the HE Funding Loan to be eligible to apply to our Higher Education Further Assistance Fund.
Who can apply for this support?
Any of Higher Education students, who have applied for and have been award Higher Education funding. The student must be in receipt of the Maintenance Loan element of HE funding.
What type of support am I able to receive?
We will consider applications from students who are facing financial difficulties, and who are at risk of not being able to remain in Higher Education. The fund may be able to support students with an unexpected financial crisis.
How much will I get?
The amount you receive will be dependent upon what type of support you need.
How will I be paid?
Any financial payments will be paid into your bank account. Please note we can only refund amounts to the student’s bank account. It is essential that you have a bank account in your own name, as no cash alternatives will be made. We cannot make payments into a partner/parent/carer bank account, unless you have an appointeeship document.
What evidence will I need to provide?
You will be required to provide evidence of all current household income and expenditure. We will need full details of your HE Loan award, and need to see bank accounts, bills and any other financial documents in support of your application
How do I apply?
You can apply using our paper application, available from Learner Services. You will need to provide evidence at the time of application, please be aware that there may be a delay in your application being processed if your form is incomplete, or evidence is missing. If you need support in applying please do ask as we will be more than happy to help you.
What happens after I have applied?
Once we have received your application it will be assessed by a panel of staff. You may be required to attend for interview. We will advise of the panel decision as soon as possible. It is the student’s responsibility to tell the Department for Work and Pensions about any direct funding support that they receive from the College as payments received may affect their eligibility for some benefits.
Childcare Funding for students aged under 20 at the start date of your course
Care to Learn is a Government scheme whereby if you are aged under 20 at the start date of your course, you may be eligible to receive help with the cost of childcare and transport (up to £160 per week) whilst you are learning. Your child must attend an Ofsted registered childcare provider.
For further information and details of how to apply please visit www.gov.uk/care-to-learn or telephone their Student Support Helpline on 0800 121 8989.
Free College Meals
If you or your family receive certain benefits you may be entitled to free college meal funding, please ask so we can check this for you. All our 16-18-year-old students are entitled to a free college breakfast, regardless of whether they are eligible for free college meals.