What about cash?

If you want to learn more skills, don’t worry about money - you may be eligible for financial help. And don’t forget - learning is free until you are 19 (and in some cases it remains free after then too). If you’re aged 16-19, check out some of your options here.

Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA)

EMA is a weekly payment for 16-19 year olds of up to £30 a week depending on your household income - and the opportunity to earn more in bonuses. It’s paid direct to your bank account in return for dedication to learning.

Learner Support Funds

In special circumstances there are Learner Support Funds available. Find out more by contacting your local college.

Apprenticeships

Apprentices earn a wage from day one and receive on- and off-the-job training, working towards an NVQ, key skills and a relevant technical certificate, depending on the Apprenticeship chosen.

Care to Learn

If you are under 19 and a teenage parent and you want to return to learning, or need help continuing at school or college - Care to Learn may be able to help pay for childcare and extra costs.

Help with transport costs

If you are ages between 16 and 19 and are attending a Further Education course at a sixth form school, sixth form college or a Further Education institution, you may be able to get help to cover your transport costs.

Help if you're studying away from home

If you need to study at a college which is not within reasonable distance of your home, there is funding available to pay for residential accommodation. It can also help with some travel costs once you have applied and been accepted onto the scheme.