The Learner Support Fund is funding for further education students who have a low income or financial hardship. It is intended to help students pay for essential course costs like their protective clothing/uniform, travel and equipment. Funding is limited so allocated on a first come first served basis.
You must complete and submit a new Learner Support Fund application each academic year, even if you received help previously. The fund is allocated on a first come, first served basis so late applications may be reduced or rejected.
We will not be able to fully assess your Learner Support Fund application unless we have the evidence outlined below. You can upload this at the end of the form. You can provide scanned copies or photographs of documents.
For students aged between 16-18 on the 31st August in the academic year they start, this will be based on their parent(s)/carer’s income from wages and/or benefits (unless aged 16-18 and living independently).
Applications should be submitted at least 5 to 6 weeks before the start of term so we can ensure financial help is in place before term starts. We aim to write to people before enrolment starts to provide an update about their applications.
For more information about the Learner Support Fund, please read our FAQ below or download a copy of the FAQ below.
Learner Support Fund 16-18 Year Form
Applications must be completed in the student’s name but parent(s)/carer(s) financial details provided as evidence of household income. Unless a student lives independently.
Evidence needed if:
You are a looked after child or child in care
- A letter from your Social Worker confirming you are a child in care.
Your parent(s)/carer(s) are in work and your earnings are less than £33,000 or £20,319 for single allowance, please provide
- P60 or 3 months payslips
- Tax Credit Award Notice 2023/24 or your review notice for 22/23 or latest statement from Universal Credit
Your parent(s)/carer(s) are self-employed
- Copy of your recent annual accounts or SA302
- Tax Credit Award Notice 2023/24 or your review notice for 22/23 or latest statement from Universal Credit
Your parent(s)/carer(s) are NOT in work, please provide evidence of
- Jobs Seekers’ Allowance
- Income Support
- Employment and Support Allowance
- Tax Credit Award Notice 2023/24 or your review notice for 22/23 or latest statement from Universal Credit.
What is the Learner Support Fund?
The Learner Support Fund is funding for Further Education students who have a low income or financial hardship. It is intended to help students pay for essential course costs like their protective clothing/uniform, travel and equipment.
Funding is limited so allocated on a first come first served basis.
What can the Learner Support Fund help with?
- Childcare costs (aged 20+ learners) Other Funding is available to students under 20 with Childcare costs.
- Travel costs
- Material fees
- Essential course equipment
- Financial hardship and emergencies
- Meals (for 16-18 year olds who are eligible)
- Targeted bursary for vulnerable groups
Who is eligible to apply?
To apply students must:
- Be over 16 years of age on 31st August in the academic year they start College.
- Have applied for a Further Education course funded by the Education and Skills Funding Agency.
- Meet the UK residency criteria.
- Be a looked after child/care leaver.
Who is not eligible to apply?
Students are not eligible for help if they:
- Are under 16 years of age on 31st August in the year they start College
- Will be studying a Higher Education course*
- Will be studying a Work Based Learning course
- On an apprenticeship
- 24+ students on a Level 3 or 4 course who have NOT taken out the Advanced Learner Loan (A.L.L) or 19-23 year olds who are eligible for the A.L.L but have not taken it out.
- Do not meet the criteria for UK residency*
*The information contained in this leaflet is accurate at time of printing but is subject to change. Please speak to a Welfare Advisor for further guidance.
Will the fund cover all my costs?
Only essential course related costs are considered this varies depending on the course you study?
What does the support depend on?
As the fund is a hardship fund, it is means tested. Financial support is only provided if household earnings are below a set amount. (See College website for details)
- For students aged between 16-18 on the 31st August in the academic year they start, this will be based on their parent(s)/carer’s income from wages and/or benefits (unless aged 16-18 and living independently).
- For students aged 19, living at home and supported financially by parent(s); partner; carer; support can be based on the parent(s); partner; carer’s wages and/or benefits.
- For 19+ aged students the support is based on the student’s income/benefits
How do I apply?
Applications should be made online from the College website. Search for ‘Leicester College Learner Support Fund’. Applications for the forthcoming academic year are available from the end of May onwards.
What evidence must be submitted?
Evidence of your household/personal income must be uploaded with the application, so please have this ready. If you are working we require a P60 or 3 months wage slips, plus proof of Tax Credits/Universal Credit, if you are not working provide proof of benefits. Check the College website for more information.
Applications cannot be assessed for help without the proof of your income.
When must the form be submitted?
There is no deadline, however an early application ensures funding is ready for the start of a course. All funding is limited and students who are facing extreme financial hardship will be prioritised.
When will I receive the support?
Students should receive an allocation letter within 4 to 6 weeks of submission. (Please note there may be a delay during busy periods.)
No funds will be paid to students until they are enrolled
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to be on a full-time course to apply for help?
- No, both full time and part time courses will be considered.
Do I have to be in receipt of benefits to receive help?
- No, your individual circumstances will be assessed.
I live with a partner; will their income be taken into account?
- Yes, we look at total household income.
I am an asylum seeker. Can I apply for financial assistance?
- Yes, asylum seekers can apply for support with travel, materials and childcare.
If I get LSF will it affect my benefit/my partner’s benefit?
- No, but you should inform the Benefits Agency if you receive funding.
Is LSF funding automatically carried over to the next year?
- No, you must apply each academic year.
For more information
Please contact the Welfare Team 0116 224 2240 Email: welfare@leicestercollege.ac.uk