The Government has previously provided funds to assist students in their studies. If these funds continue, they will be administered by the College based on the prevailing guidance. The funds are split into two categories:
Discretionary Learner Support Fund (Further Education);
Access to Learning Fund (Higher Education).
The College has a dedicated team administrating this policy, for full details of the Access Fund Policy click here. For further assistance/guidance please contact the Access Fund Administrator on 0191 375 4205 or email access.fund@newdur.ac.uk.
Adult Learning Grant (ALG): (New College Durham continuing students only)
If you currently receive ALG, and your courses are continuing, you will continue to receive payments during 2011/12. You will receive a Notice of Entitlement for 2011/12 to enable you to complete your current course and receive weekly payments from the Learner Support Service. For more information please contact the Access Fund Administrator on 0191 375 4205 or email access.fund@newdur.ac.uk. Alternatively call the Learner Support Helpline on 0800 121 8989 or visit www.direct.gov.uk/alg.
College Bursaries
The Government has developed bursaries to help new students who would have received ALG (Adult Learning Grant).
Flex & Travel
This is our travel scheme in co-operation with Arriva and Go North East to help support you with your travel to and from College. For full information on your eligibility please click here for details.
New College Durham 19+ Adult Bursary
If you are aged 19 and over you may be eligible for additional assistance by applying for a means tested College bursary. For further information please contact the Access Fund Administrator on access.fund@newdur.ac.uk or call on 0191 375 4205.
Childcare Support (Adults 20+)
If you are aged 20+ on 31 August at the start of the academic year you may be eligible for support with childcare costs from the Learner Support Fund. Those childcare payments will help to support your attendance of classes, tutorials or placements. In order to qualify you must satisfy the following criteria:
Have a gross household income of:
less than £11,810 in the previous tax year (2010/11) if living independently or
less than £20,817 in the previous tax year (2010/11) if living with Parent(s)/Guardian(s)/Partner.
And subsequently satisfy all of the following criteria:
Have an attendance record of 90% or greater and a satisfactory tutor report;
Be up-to-date with all course work/assignments;
Be receiving six or more guided learning hours per week;
The childcare provider who is receiving payment via the Discretionary Learner Support Fund must be registered with Ofsted.
Each household will be limited to a maximum childcare support of £160 per child/per week. For further information please contact the Access Fund Administrator on access.fund@newdur.ac.uk or call on 0191 375 4205.
County Durham Community Foundation
The County Durham Community Foundation is looking to offer financial, mentoring and educational support for 16-25 year olds who have left full-time education with minimal or no qualifications and who may qualify for assistance if they:
have disabilities and need help with training and employment
are under 25 years old and who are or who have been in the care of, looked after or under a Supervision Order to the local authority in the following areas for a minimum of six months: County Durham, Darlington, Hartlepool, Redcar & Cleveland, Middlesbrough, Stockton, Gateshead, South Tyneside or Sunderland.
need help to achieve their own potential, or to excel in a particular skill or ability.
The Foundation will consider awards up to a maximum of £500 for course-related costs, such as work clothing and equipment. The Foundation will also consider an award of up to a maximum of £1000 towards course fees for eligible applicants.
For further information on the Foundation and how to apply for assistance from it, or for details about the application process for additional funding support, please contact the Funding & Welfare Advisers in ASC on 0191 373 4400 or call in to ASC Reception and book an appointment.
This information was correct at the time of publication. The College accepts no responsibility for any change to the EMA, ALG or Government Bursary Policies.