Independent Students and Young Parents

We understand that everyone’s journey is unique. That means that the support people need to succeed at college can be unique to the individual.

No matter whether you are an independent student or a young parent, we make sure that the support you get at Leicester College is personalised to meet your needs.

Independent students

You are an independent student if you receive universal credit and are aged 16-18 and either:

· live independently or

· a single parent still living in your parent home.

There may be weekly bursaries available to help with the cost of coming to college. These would be paid term time only and are subject to you have no unauthorised absences.

Young parents

People who are under 20 and expecting or caring for their own child and studying on a publicly funded full or part time course. We have two nurseries at the college, one at our Abbey Park Campus and the other at Freemen’s Park Campus, which any student can apply to use.

You may also be able to receive help with the cost of childcare through the Government’s Care to Learn scheme.

Wellbeing Support

You will be allocated a wellbeing mentor, who will work with you as soon as you start at college. They can help you with things like developing techniques for studying, balancing home and college responsibilities, managing relationships with housemates, family and other people in your personal life, and making sure you settle well into college. This means that you won’t be alone to deal with any challenges you may come across. All students have access to free and confidential counselling and mental health services, and sexual health clinics.

Transition support

If you need help before you start college in deciding what you would like to study, we have free and independent careers advisors.

To help you make the move to college we hold events where you can discover more about the college and meet staff. Keep an eye out to sign-up on our events page.

Once you have applied, you’ll be invited to come to college during the summer to our special transition events.

For more information on the support we provide here at Leicester College call 0116 224 2240 and ask for the Student Wellbeing Manager.