We have grants and bursaries available to help cover some of the costs of coming to college such as travel, food and equipment.
This funding is provided to us by the Government and is available to people who need it the most. We encourage everyone who is eligible to apply so we can make best use of this money.
Contact our Support Funds Team
Call: 0191 490 4627
Email: [email protected]
What support is there?
Higher Rate Bursary
If you are aged under 19 years old on 31st August 2025 and fall into one of the qualifying categories, you may be eligible for a Higher Rate Bursary worth up to £1,200 per academic year.
You may receive a monthly amount paid into your bank account, towards your meals and general college expenses.
College will also look at helping you with other costs such as kit/uniform/books.
You may request that college provide you with travel support providing you live more than 1 mile away, but this cost will be deducted from your Bursary.
Students are not automatically entitled to £1,200 per year.
We will assess your application to identify an actual financial need.
It may be the case that you receive a reduced amount or no award at all.
The Higher Rate Bursary can be made up of awards below to help towards costs of attending college:
Students are not automatically entitled to £1,200 per year. We will assess your application to identify actual financial need so please give as much information as possible on application form. It may be the case that you receive a reduced amount or no award at all.
How to apply?
Do you the student fall into one of the categories below:
Evidence needed:
Discretionary Bursary
If you do not qualify for a Higher Rate Bursary, you may still be entitled to discretionary funds to help with the cost of coming to college.
We will need to see your parents/carers’ income if you are aged between 16-18 at 31st August 2025 or 19-24 with EHCP.
We may be able to give you help towards the following:
To be eligible you must:
Free College Meals
You could be eligible towards the cost of a meal per day while you are at college.
If you are aged under 19 on 31st August 2024 or 19-24 with EHCP and meet the income/allowance criteria.
A food allowance of £4.00 will be available each day that you are timetabled to attend, including work placements.
For more information please see our 16-18 Info Booklet & Terms & Conditions
If you are aged under 19 on 31st August 2025 or 19-24 with EHCP and meet the criteria below.
You (if you are living independently) or your parents/carers are in receipt of one of the following:
See our 16-18 Bursary Fund Statement.
Students who receive any BACS payments from the fund for course-related equipment, materials, meals or travel costs are required to retain and submit valid receipts or other acceptable proof of purchase. Receipts must clearly show the date, item(s) purchased, and total amount spent. More information will be given in award letter.
Bursary payments are normally made directly into a bank account in the student’s name. Guidance suggests that payments should not be made into a parent’s, carer’s, or any other third party’s account (unless the student has an appointee to handle payments)
If you do not currently have a bank account, you will need to open one before any payments can be made. Most high street banks offer basic bank accounts suitable for students aged 16 and over.
Care to Learn – Childcare
If you are under 20 at the start of your course and need help with childcare costs, you can apply to Care to Learn.
This scheme is not means tested and you just have to use registered childcare.
You need to find a childcare provider prior to applying for help with costs. All awards are paid direct to your provider. You are liable for any fees incurred prior to an award being agreed. If you choose to use a provider whose charges are in excess of our maximum award you could be liable for these fees. The maximum award is £180 per child per week.
Awards are calculated on your timetable and when you are due to attend your course only (placements are also supported). If you use childcare outside of these hours you will be liable for the fees.
To apply for Care to Learn Childcare please complete bursary application and you will be asked to provide details of your chosen childcare provider.
Please ask if you need any help. If you need help finding childcare provider you can contact your Local Authority.
PLEASE BE AWARE WE HAVE MADE CHANGES TO ELIGIBILITY AND AWARDS FOR THIS ACADEMIC YEAR SO YOUR AWARDS MAY DIFFER TO WHAT YOU RECEIVED LAST ACADEMIC YEAR.
apply now.
Applications for 25/26 Academic Year open in July.
Our online application system allows you to apply, access and view your bursary payments easily and securely.
With the online portal you’ll be able to see any upcoming payments and view your payments status.
In order to set up an account with PayMyStudent you need your Student Number.
If you do not know your Student Number please contact us by email [email protected] or call 0191 490 4627.
A financial support fund unique to us, we can offer you grants on top of the other financial bursaries available, to help you get the most out of your studies.
As a Talented Athlete Scholarship Scheme (TASS) Dual Career accredited college, we give talented athletes the opportunity to combine academic excellence with elite performance support.