The Learner Support Fund is to assist students in school sixth forms whose ability to access or complete their course is inhibited by financial constraints or barriers.
Sixth formers whose family is on benefits or low income, or who can demonstrate exceptional financial hardship.
Applicants must be:
There are two parts to the Fund:
Additional Expenses
You may get up to £250 per term for exceptional course-related expenses, such as exceptional travel costs, books and equipment, field trips, university interviews and audition costs. (Family income up to £30,000 pa.)
Individual Hardship Grant
For emergencies or exceptional hardship.
You may qualify for help under the above, even if you also receive an Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA). You will not generally receive help under more than one category. However, if you are in severe hardship and if funds are available you may be considered for assistance under more than one category.
If you attend a sixth form in Oldham you can get an application form from your school. If you attend a school outside Oldham you can get a form from the Student Support Team at Oldham Local Authority (LA). You and your parents should complete the first part of the form and then ask the school to complete the rest. The form, with proof of income and expenditure as appropriate, should be returned to the Student Support Team.
Additional expenses: end of each term as below:
Individual hardship grants and loans: any time – subject to funds being available.
There is no automatic entitlement to help from the Learner Support Fund. Each application will be judged according to need and funds available. Any award you receive will depend on your needs and your/your family’s income.
Full details about the Fund are available in school. Or you can contact:
Oldham LEA