Discretionary financial support

Who is eligible for discretionary financial support?

Discretionary financial support is available for students with proven financial hardship that prevents them from participating in learning. It is specifically designed to meet certain priority groups such as:

• Young carers
• Young parents
• Young people that have suffered parental bereavement
• Students that have a significant diagnosed mental health condition

This funding is also there to support when students experience sudden changes in circumstances such as:

• Redundancy in the family home
• Domestic emergency

If you do not meet one of the above priority groups but there is financial hardship and the annual household income (including any wages/benefits received) is below £26,000, you may still complete the form to see if there is any help available.

Please be aware we will need to see certain financial documents such as recent bank statements/wage slips, to be able to assess your claim. We must also take into consideration any savings you may have.

How to apply for discretionary financial support

Complete the Discretionary Financial Application form and return it to your relevant campus. See contact us page for addresses.

Please ensure you complete all sections; in particular section four to explain the change in circumstances and provide us with the detail of what financial support is required (e.g. a bus pass). The College is not able to offer cash payments but may be able to support with the costs of college related items.