Financial Support

FINANCIAL SUPPORT AT BLACKPOOL SIXTH

If you choose to study at Blackpool Sixth, we will do everything possible to support you.

There is a variety of financial support available to you during your time studying with us. Depending on eligibility and need, the college may provide help with meals, transport, and course-related costs. The support you are eligible for will be based on your household’s financial circumstances and an assessment of your need, as outlined below.

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Free Meals

What will be included

Free meals (to the minimum value of £2.61* as outlined in the 16-19 bursary guidance)

*The free meal allowance may be topped up. The free meal amount will be confirmed in the financial support offer letter.

Who is eligible?

To qualify for free meals, parent(s)/carer(s) must be in receipt of any of the below:

Universal Credit
Support under Part VI of The Immigration and Asylum Act 1999
Income related Employment Support Allowance
The guaranteed element of State Pension Credit

BURSARY

What may be included

Fully funded travel to and from college by bus (if you live over 1.4 miles or more from college) or partially funded train travel
Essential course equipment/devices
Essential books, equipment, or specialist clothing
Essential educational visits
Examination fees
College arranged work experience-related costs
DBS checks where required for course-related work experience

Who is eligible?

Eligibility for a bursary will be based on gross annual household income*

Households with a total gross annual income of less than £26,000 will be eligible for a fully funded bus pass or partially funded train travel and help towards essential course related costs
Households with a total gross annual income of between £26,000 and £36,000 will be eligible for help towards essential course related costs

*Parent(s)/carers(s) will have to provide evidence of all income sources including employed/self employed earnings and government benefits. Please see the list below of all acceptable financial documents.

Enhanced bursary

What may be included

Based on your individual needs, you could receive support equivalent to £1200, including transport, free meals and course related costs.

Who is eligible?

A young person in care, including unaccompanied children seeking asylum
A young care leaver
A young person receiving Employment Support Allowance or Universal Credit in your own right (because you are financially supporting yourself or financially supporting yourself and someone who is dependent on you and is living with you, such as a child or partner)

HOW TO APPLY

Step 1: Register to apply using the student’s applicant/student number and date of birth, creating and confirming a password

Step 2: Verify your email address by clicking on the link generated to your email account during Step 1. This will be the email address you registered with college as an applicant

Step 3: Login to begin your application using the student’s applicant/student number, date of birth and password created in Step 1

Step 4: Answer the questions in the application, attach all financial documents that evidence your household’s income and sign and submit your application

WHAT EVIDENCE TO INCLUDE IN YOUR APPLICATION

We accept any of the below documents. Please upload all that apply for each named parent/carer in the household and ensure every page of any statements or letters are included. Any applications with missing information will not be assessed and your application will be delayed.

Universal Credit – 3 months statements in full to include name, address, payments, deductions and totals
P60 – from the most recent financial year end
SA302 – HMRC document from the most recent financial year end
Private and state pension statements if no longer in work
Pension Credit statement specifically outlining the guaranteed element entitlement
Employment Support Allowance – all pages of the most recently dated letter
Letter from the Home Office confirming the student’s asylum status
Letter from the Local Authority confirming the student’s looked after or previously looked after status

Important: You must provide evidence of all income sources or benefit(s) you or your parent(s)/carer(s) receive. Please upload these documents in full to the online portal when prompted. Do not submit an online application without this evidence as your application will not be considered.

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RETURNING STUDENTS

All students will have to re-apply for financial support each year that they are in college as the financial support does not roll-over into the next academic year. Students will be contacted by the Student Finance team when it is time to re-apply, usually in the final term before the end of the current academic year.

Please note: Financial support is reviewed annually and is subject to changes in college funding.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How will I get my free meals?

If you are eligible for free meals, the daily allowance will be added to your college catering account. This is redeemable at any of the college’s catering outlets’ till points, by tapping your student ID card as instructed.

How will I receive my travel pass?

If you are eligible for a bus pass, a member of the Student Finance team will contact you to explain how you will receive this. This will vary according to which bus pass type you have selected.

What if I have to travel to college by train?

If you are eligible, college can meet up to 50% of the cost of your train travel to and from college. Please speak to a member of the Student Finance team about your travel route and related ticket costs and refund arrangements will be put in place.

How do I access support for additional college costs?

In the first instance, please email your requirements to financialsupport@blackpoolsixth.ac.uk attaching any relevant links to items you may be requesting.

What if my financial circumstances at home change?

Blackpool Sixth understands that circumstances may change throughout the year. If there are changes to your household income during the year (e.g. a parent/carer loses their job), you can apply for financial support, or we can reassess the existing support awarded to you, at any time during your studies.

What if I don’t qualify for free meals or a college bursary?

If you do not qualify for free meals or a college bursary but can evidence you are struggling financially with college costs, please speak to your Progress Mentor or the Student Finance team.

We may be able to support you in the short-term with dedicated funds allocated from our discretionary bursary.

You may still be required to provide financial evidence to support your claim.

Any questions that haven't been answered above?

If you require any help or guidance on making an application for financial support, please email the Student Finance team on financialsupport@blackpoolsixth.ac.uk or by calling 01253 307096.