Each year, the college distributes government funds provided to assist students who may be experiencing financial hardship. If a student’s application is accepted, the college will help with essential educational costs.
What can the bursary help with?
The bursary provides in-kind support, meaning the college will buy the items you need on your behalf, such as:
- Travel passes
- Free college meals
- Stationary
- Kit/uniform
- Essential trips
- Essential course materials.
Funding for the Discretionary Bursary is limited, and it is not an entitlement.
Eligibility and types
We offer two different bursaries to 19+ year old students who are enrolled on one of our further education courses and who meet the right criteria. You will not be eligible if you are studying an apprenticeship, higher education, or paying for your course in full.
- 19+ Discretionary Bursary
You will need to be aged 19 or over on 31 August at the start of your course.
The bursary is available to the following students:
- Your household income must be less than £22,000 net (2025-2026 income limit).
AND - You must be in receipt of a fee waiver for your course.
This total household income is calculated inclusive of benefits received, such as Universal Credit, Net take-home pay from employment and self-employment, and any rent paid on your behalf through housing benefit or Universal Credit. Disability Living Allowance (DLA) and Personal Independence Payment (PIP) are not considered when calculating household income.
Not sure if you are eligible? If you don’t qualify for our bursary, we will always try to direct you to other sources of support.
- Your household income must be less than £22,000 net (2025-2026 income limit).
- Advanced Learner Loan (ADL) Bursary
You will need to be aged 19 or over on 31 August at the start of your course. The bursary is available to the following students:
- Your household income must be less than £22,000 net (2025-2026 income limit).
AND - And, have an Advanced Learner Loan in place to pay for your course fees. More information about the Advanced Learner Loan itself can be found here.
This total household income is calculated inclusive of benefits received, such as Universal Credit, Net take-home pay from employment and self-employment, and any rent paid on your behalf through housing benefit or Universal Credit. Disability Living Allowance (DLA) and Personal Independence Payment (PIP) are not considered when calculating household income.
Not sure if you are eligible? If you don’t qualify for our bursary, we will always try to direct you to other sources of support.
- Your household income must be less than £22,000 net (2025-2026 income limit).
To apply, please visit our bursary application page.
If you have an EHCP, please visit our EHCP page.