If you are studying at college, sixth form or another further education provider, you may be able to get financial support to help with the cost of your studies. This includes bursaries, childcare funding and help with essential course expenses.
Your Personal Adviser can help you understand what funding is available and support you to apply.
16 to 19 Bursary Fund
The 16 to 19 Bursary Fund helps students who face financial barriers to education.
There are two types of bursary:
- bursaries for vulnerable groups
- discretionary bursaries
The funding can help with:
- travel to and from college or sixth form
- essential books and materials
- specialist equipment
- course-related clothing or uniforms
Care-experienced young people and care leavers may be eligible for the vulnerable student bursary, which can provide up to £1,200 per academic year.
Your college will assess your eligibility and decide what support you can receive.
Apply for bursary funding
If you are studying in Hartlepool, apply directly through your education provider.
Hartlepool College of Further Education:
Hartlepool Sixth Form College
English Martyrs Sixth Form College:
Catcote Sixth Form College:
If you are studying outside Hartlepool, your Personal Adviser can help you find the correct application process for your college or training provider.
Childcare support
If you have children while studying, you may be able to get help with childcare costs. Students who are unemployed must first use their government funded free hours with the sixth form contributing towards the remaining hours.
Students under 20
If you are under 20, you may be eligible for support through the Care to Learn scheme.
The scheme can help pay for:
- childcare fees, including registration and deposit costs
- childcare taster session for up to five days
- childcare during holidays
- travel to and from childcare provider
Students aged 20 and over
If you are aged 20 or over when your course starts, you may be able to get help with childcare costs through your college.
To be eligible, you may need to:
- have an approved Advanced Learner Loan where this applies to your course
- have a household income below £28,000
- use an Ofsted-registered childcare provider
Any childcare funding is usually paid directly to the childcare provider rather than to you.
Support available will depend on your circumstances and your college's funding arrangements.
How much support can I get?
For some learners aged 20 or over, childcare support may be available at a rate of up to £4.50 per hour for timetabled study hours.
Your college will assess your application and confirm the level of support available.
How to apply
You should apply for childcare support directly through your college. You can:
- collect a Childcare Care Request form from the Student Welfare team
- or download the childcare request form
Speak to your Personal Adviser
If you are planning to attend college, sixth form or another further education course, speak to your Personal Adviser. They can help you identify funding opportunities and complete any applications.