Employers
Assistance can be provided for items such as travel costs, subsidised meals, material or kit costs and child care costs. Find out more below
The Learner Support Fund is specifically aimed at students facing financial hardship in accessing education. Funds will be allocated upon a proven hardship need. Assistance can be provided for items such as travel costs, subsidised meals, material or kit costs and childcare costs and will either be paid in cash or with payment in kind for course expenses.
The type of assistance is based on your age and your course so not all support is available to all students.
Each case will be considered individually and in strict confidence. Among factors considered are;
You will need to collect an application form from the Learner Experience Team or follow the link above to download a form. The completed form, along with all supporting documentation e.g. benefit book, WTC or CTC letters etc., should be returned to Learner Experience Team.
Staff will then assess your application and write to you informing you of the decision. Applications are considered throughout the year.
Students studying for Higher Nationals or a Foundation Degree at Macclesfield College should apply to Student Finance England for student loan assistance. Students can apply for a Maintenance Loan or a Tuition fee loan. Application forms and guidance notes are available from www.gov.uk/student-finance
Students studying Higher Education courses are not eligible for fee waivers due to benefits or low income and must go through the Higher Education financial support route.
If you are a parent aged between 16 and 20 you may be eligible for ‘Care to Learn’ support (you must be under 20 when you start your course). This can provide help with childcare costs and related travelling costs.
If you are a parent aged over 20 you may be eligible for support through the Learning Support fund as described above.
Childcare Provider Bank Details
Application for Childcare Costs
For further information call Care To Learn on 0800 121 8989 or contact Student Services.
Students aged 19+ undertaking a course funded through the Advanced Learning Loan scheme can only apply for assistance with fees from the Advanced learning loan.
Students aged 19+ undertaking an appropriate SFA funded course that is not eligible for an Advanced Learning Loan can apply for support through the Learning Support fund as described above.
For more information contact the learner experience team on 01625 410 000.
Full time students may qualify for a discount on their Council Tax – this will depend on the number of people in your house. The college can provide you with a certificate to send to your Local Authority. Please ask for a Council Tax Exemption form.
If you haven’t found the right course for you, then tell us about the course that you are looking for.
