16-18 Funding Options

To be eligible you must be: 

• Aged 16, 17 or 18 on the 1st September 2025 (your date of birth will be between 31st August 2006 and 31st August 2009) 

• Undertaking a further education course 

• Able to show a residual household income (see below for explanation), of no more than £44,443. 

You will not be eligible if you are: 

• A waged apprentice, or undertaking other learning or training whilst a wage is paid 

• A prison-based learner, learning whilst released on temporary licence or learning whilst in a young offenders institution 

• Undertaking a higher education course.

Eligible students depending on their individual partipation needs will receive a package of support.  

The package of support could include: 

• Free meals in FE allowance 

• Bus passes 

• Course essential professional start-up kit or uniform 

• Childcare (through Care to Learn) 

• Field trips or residential visits directly related to your course 

• Course essential books and equipment  

• Support for digital poverty (tutor referral required)