Financial Support
We understand the importance of getting the right financial support that’s available to you. Therefore, we’re committed to providing a range of financial assistance options.
Whether you’re a first-time student or a returning adult learner, we dedicate our time and knowledge to ensure you have the correct needs for your time at college.
Current and potential students can get information about sources of funding from the FAB Futures team. Private facilities are available to discuss your circumstances in more depth, please make an appointment at any reception.
If you’re a full-time student, aged 16-19 and your annual household income is less than £35,000 you can apply for help with college costs to cover; travel for days you are in college, meals, books, equipment and uniforms.
You’ll only be able to apply once you have started at college. Full details will be given on your first day by your tutor.
Terms and conditions apply.
You may be entitled to help towards travel support, equipment, materials, uniforms and trips based on financial assessment.
You may be entitled to help towards travel support, equipment, materials, uniforms and trips based on financial assessment.
The fund aims to provide support to HE students who are in financial hardship and who may need extra financial support to enable them to access or remain in higher education.
See below to see if you’re eligible.
Learners aged 19+ who want to study a vocational, technical or professional qualification at Levels 3 and above are eligible to apply for an Advanced Learner Loan.
The Advanced Learner Loan is only available to students on eligible courses at an approved institution such as Wigan & Leigh College which can include:
- Level 4, 5 and 6 Certificate or Diploma.
- access to Higher Education Diploma
- Level 3 BTEC or NVQ Certificate or Diploma course
Most learners aged 19+ or over who apply, will qualify for these loans from the UK government.
You’ll only start making repayments when your income is above the threshold https://www.gov.uk/repaying-your-student-loan/when-you-start-repaying
If you’re aged 19+ it’s easy to apply.
Your household income isn’t taken into account.
There’s no credit check.
Advanced Learner Loan Bursary & 19+ Learner Support Fund
Advanced Learner Loan Bursary
For students who are in receipt of an Advanced Learner Loan
19+ Learner Support Fund
For students who are not in receipt of a learner loan or are on a self-financing course
- Students who are enrolled on an ESFA funded course at Wigan & Leigh College.
- In receipt of a means-tested benefit;
- or, supporting a household with an earned income below £28,000;
- or, single students on a low income (this will be assessed against regular outgoings).
- Have been ‘ordinarily resident’ in the British Isles or European Union for purposes other than education for the last three years.
- travel to college
- uniform/clothing/PPE
- books/electronic resources
- college trips
- travel to university & job interviews
- equipment/materials
- course/exam fees (including re-sits)
- Additional Learning Support (ALS).
You’ll only be able to apply once you have started at college. Full details will be given on your first day by your tutor.
Do you need help with the cost of childcare while studying?
Childcare from the learner support fund
You could get support from the Learner Support Fund if:
- you’re classed as a ‘home student’
- are enrolled on an ESFA funded course
- your household income is below £35,000
- or you’re claiming a means-tested benefit
- and you’re unable to access other childcare support (e.g. other parents, family members, or government funding).
Childcare from the advanced learner loan bursary:
- you must be in receipt of an Advanced Learner Loan
- be classed as a ‘home student’
- are enrolled onto an ESFA funded course
- your household income is below £35,000;
- or, you’re claiming a means-tested benefit;
- and, you’re unable to access any other childcare support e.g. other parents, family members or government funding.
Care to Learn
You could get support from Care to Learn if:
- you’re a parent under the age of 20 at the start of your course
- you’re the main carer for your child and in receipt of Child Benefit
- your child’s other parent is unable to provide childcare
- you live in England
- you’re either a British Citizen or a National of a European Economic Area (EEA) country. (Migrants outside EEA please see a member of the Student Funding Team.)
Care to learn, Government website: https://www.gov.uk/care-to-learn
When can I apply?
You’ll only be able to apply once you have started at college. Full details will be given on your first day by your tutor.
