Further education - care leavers

If you study an accredited course in further education, we will support you financially to help pay for:

• registration and examination fees
• textbooks and essential equipment related to the course and specified as essential up to the value of £500
• bus or train costs to open days and college interviews if they are outside of your local area 

Your personal advisor will also support you to apply for the course and any bursaries or grants you may be eligible for.

All care leavers attending local colleges in England should be entitled to the standard amount of £1,200 up until the age of 19. The arrangements vary depending on circumstances, for example those with a current EHCP should continue to receive the bursary up to age 25. You may be able to access a discretionary bursary after age 19.

You can find information about eligibility for bursaries on the government website.

Apprenticeships mean you can gain practical experience while earning a wage and getting a qualification. 

They are open to anyone aged 16. They can take one to five years to complete depending on the level. The levels range from GCSE level to a bachelors or masters degree level. 

Apprenticeships can take place either in the workplace or at college on a day or block release. You will receive mentorship, coaching and the full range of employee benefits. There is also support for transitioning into work or further training after the apprenticeship. 

If you are on a training program and not eligible for a bursary we will support you with incentive payments:

24 hours - £25 incentive payment (weekly)

16 hours - £20 incentive payment (weekly)

8 hours - £10 incentive payment (weekly)

4 hours - £5 incentive payment (weekly)

You will get your payments at the end of each month in arrears when your attendance has been agreed with your personal advisor.