Learner Support Funds (LSF)

You may be eligible for financial help if you are in the sixth- form or in further education from your school or college if your access to, or completion of, education might be prevented for financial reasons. Every school and college will have a written policy for LSF, including arrangements for means testing and procedures for learners to appeal if refused funding.

Every school and college will have a written policy for LSF. The policy includes arrangements for means testing and procedures for learners to appeal if refused funding.

The priority groups for LSF are currently:

• Students who are disadvantaged, disabled, medically ill and/or have learning difficulties. Funding can be given to help support transport, childcare or other associated learning costs.
• Those who have been in care, on probation, are young parents or otherwise at risk.
• Lone parents.
• Those taking programmes where the primary learning goal is adult basic education or English for speakers of other languages.
• Unemployed people receiving job seekers allowance.
• Those receiving a means tested state benefit. This includes students receiving Tax Credits who turn 19 before they complete their course and face financial difficulties.
• Students on low incomes or from low income families, identified by means testing.
• The unwaged dependents of those listed above.

Contact your school or college directly for further information and ask for their LSF policy.