16+ Money Facts

Money Facts for Further Education

Child Benefit

Your parents/carers will still get child benefit while you are under 19 and in full-time education. If you leave education, they will still get Child Benefit for 3 months while you find work or a training place.

Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA)

For further education, you might be able to get some money to help you with the cost of things like course books or materials. This is called Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA).

You can get an application form for EMA in schools, colleges and Connexions centres. If you would like help with the application form, ask your tutor or Personal Adviser.

Further help is available at www.ema.dfes.gov.uk. You can also call the EMA Young Person’s Helpline on 0808 101 6219.

Grants

In very rare circumstances, students may be entitled to a ‘discretionary’ grant to attend further education college. Contact the grants and awards section of your Local Authority (LA) for more information.

Registration Fees

If you are taking a course at college, you may be charged a small registration fee to cover administration costs.

Student Support

Some colleges will give money to students who have big financial problems so that they can buy books, travel to and from college etc.

Students with Learning Difficulties and/or Disabilities

The National Bureau for Students with Disabilities (SKILL) has info on financial support for further education. FREEPHONE: 0800 328 5050 (Monday-Thursday, 1.30pm-4.30pm). MINICOM (for people with hearing difficulties): 0800 068 2422. www.skill.org.uk.

Travel Expenses

If you live more than three miles away from your school or college and they do not provide transport, your Local Authority (LA) may cover the travel costs for you – contact them for more information.

Other Costs

You may be charged for part-time college courses.

Some Independent schools may be willing to offer sixth form places at reduced fees to students with excellent academic records.