16-18 Bursary Fund
The 16-18 Bursary fund is for students who need some financial support to support them while in education. The bursary fund can be used to contribute towards the cost of expenses such as a college bus pass or funds, essential equipment, compulsory trips, UCAS fee’s, DBS etc. Two types of bursary are available:
A Bursary of up to £1,200 a year:
For young people who are in a defined vulnerable group:
- Young people in care, care leavers
- Young People in receipt of Income Support or Universal Credit because they are financially supporting themselves or financially supporting themselves and someone who is dependant on them and living with them, such as a child or partner
- Disabled young people in receipt of Employment Support Allowance who also receive Disability Living Allowance (or Personal Independence Payments) – if you would like support in making this application please contact our Welfare Officer on 01704 392746
A Discretionary Bursary:
For those students who do not meet the eligibility criteria for the above, but are facing financial hardship, they will be able to apply to the discretionary bursary for help towards funds for kits / uniforms, trips associated with your course, university trips, UCAS fees, DBS (including portable DBS costs) and other course related costs including support for distance learning. Students must have a household income of less than £38,500 as assessed by HMRC, or the family must be in receipt of a means-tested benefit.
Coming to College might seem like a big leap from being at school, which is why we have support packages in place to make the change as easy as possible.
If you do not qualify for the bursary fund we may still be able to help you with the cost of kits, uniform and other course costs.
Our Student Hub can provide you with more information about the Bursary Fund, Travel Passes, Free Meals and Care to Learn and can discuss your eligibility, please contact us on 01704 392704.
To apply for any financial support, you will need to apply via Pay My Student.
Travel Passes
The College offers students* who live over 1.0 mile away from College and study a full-time Further Education course the opportunity to apply for a free travel pass. The passes can be used on either Stagecoach, Arriva or Merseyrail networks. The Arriva bus pass can now be used for 7 days per week.
*Students aged 16-18 who live more than 3 miles away from the College are be eligible for travel passes (or funds where necessary). Students who live 1.0 to 2.9 miles away from the College and are aged 16-18 are means tested before passes are issued. Students aged 19 and over will be means-tested to assess for eligibility before passes are issued. Other terms and conditions apply. Additional information is available through contacting the Student Hub on 01704 392704.
Free Meals
Students aged between 16 and 18 on 31 August 2023 may be eligible to receive a free lunch while studying at Southport College. Students in receipt of, or having parents who are in receipt of, one or more of the following benefits are eligible for free lunches:
- Income Support
- Income-based Jobseekers Allowance
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
- Support under part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999
- The guarantee element of State Pension Credit
- Child Tax Credit (provided they are not entitled to Working Tax Credit) and have an annual gross income of no more than £16,190, as assessed by Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs
- Working Tax Credit run-on - paid for 4 weeks after you stop qualifying for Working Tax Credit
- Universal Credit – with net earnings not exceeding the equivalent of £7,400 for each year (after tax and not including any benefits)
Care to Learn
Learners under 20 years old, who are parents, can apply through Care to Learn to help support the cost of childcare.
You can get Care to Learn if:
- you’re a parent under 20 at the start of your course
- you’re the main carer for your child
- you live in England
- you’re either a British citizen or a national of a European Economic Area (EEA) country
- your course qualifies
- your childcare provider qualifies Find out more information from www.gov.uk/care-to-learn/eligibility
The Student Hub
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Term Time
Monday - Thursday 8:15am- 5:00pm
Friday 8:15am – 4:00pm
Outside Term Time
Monday to Thursday 8:30am – 5:00pm
Friday 8:30am – 4:00pm
Everything you need to know
Do I have to pay for my course?
If you are under the age of 19 years when you enrol on your course at Southport College you will not have to pay any course fees. However, you may need to pay for kit and uniform depending on the course you choose. We may be able to help you with these costs.
How do I apply for a Travel Pass?
Travel Passes can be applied for using Pay My Student
For more information on Travel Passes, click here
Learning Support
If you have identified a learning difficulty and/or a disability, the Learning Support Team will contact you to discuss how to support you appropriately. Identified students who disclose a support need are individually interviewed to assess their needs and the level/type of support or tutoring required.
Personal Support
Our aim is to ensure every student reaches their potential with us and we have staff available for any individual who may need support and care. Students can access both counselling and personal support during their time with us.
Careers Advice & Guidance
Through our Student Information Centre, our Progress Tutors and Library Learning Centres, students have access to a wide range of careers advice and information as well as assistance with UCAS personal statements, CVs and job applications.
