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.
New College Durham continuing students only
Educational Maintenance Allowance (EMA)
Courses commenced in 2009/10
If you first successfully applied for EMA in 2009/10 you will continue to receive payments at the level set out in your EMA guarantee for each week you are in education or training, until the end of the 2011/12 academic year.
Courses commenced in 2010/11
If you successfully applied for the maximum weekly EMA payment of £30 in 2010/11 you will be eligible for £20 for each week you are in education or training, until the end of 2011/12 academic year.
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/ema.
New College Durham continuing students only
Adult Learning Grant (ALG)
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.
Bursaries
The Government has developed bursaries to help new students who would have received EMA (Educational Maintenance Allowance) or 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 Guaranteed Bursary Scheme - Aged 16-19; full time students
If you’re in care, a care leaver or on income support you are guaranteed a bursary of £1,200 a year. Income support is paid to teenage parents, young people with disabilities or those living away from their parents. This bursary cannot be combined with the Discretionary Bursary below. Consideration will be taken of the benefits already received by you from New College Durham.
New College Durham Discretionary Bursary Scheme - Aged 16-18; full time students
This bursary will be means tested and, depending on your household income, you could qualify for additional financial help. This bursary cannot be combined with the Guaranteed Bursary above.
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.
ASC (Advice Support Careers)
New College Durham is committed to providing a high quality, confidential and impartial information, advice and guidance service. ASC offers information, advice and guidance on careers and financial support and personal counselling. Our Learner Development Co-ordinator, based in the Students’ Union, can also help with social and health related issues.
You can contact the ASC team before you start College and throughout your course you are entitled to a careers education programme and opportunities to discuss future options, career plans, funding opportunities, welfare issues or any personal concerns. ASC also have a careers library and information centre, which you can access during our opening times. For further details contact ASC on 0191 375 4400 or email asc@newdur.ac.uk.
County Durham Community Foundation
County Durham Community Foundation has funding available for 16-25 year olds to support them in their education. You may qualify for support if you:
- are under 25 years old and are or have been in care, looked after or under a Supervision Order in one of the following local authorities for a minimum of six months: County Durham, Darlington, Hartlepool, Redcar & Cleveland, Middlesbrough, Stockton, Gateshead, South Tyneside or Sunderland.
- have disabilities and need financial help for training
- need help to achieve your 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 books, 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. You can also visit the CDCF website www.cdcf.org.uk/apply-for-a-grant/grants-for-individuals. If you are not sure if you are eligible for funding, please call CDCF on 0191 378 6340 for advice.
Childcare Support (16-19 years of age)
Care to Learn - If you are aged under 20 when you start your course, you can receive help with the cost of childcare. For more details ring 0800 121 8989 or go to www.direct.gov.uk/caretolearn or contact ASC at the College on 0191 375 4400.
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.