Financial Support

In exceptional circumstances the college can offer financial support to help with the cost of tuition fees.

Please click here to access the College's Fees Policy.

The College provides funding to support the cost of travel as follows:

• All full time 16-18 learners are eligible for free travel regardless of personal circumstances.  16-18 learners receive an annual ticket via the Go North East mobile app, allowing FREE travel to and from College during term time.
• Learners using their own transport receive a mileage allowance.
• 19+ learners who meet the required eligibility criteria receive a reimbursement of evidenced public transport costs or a mileage allowance.

An Application For Financial Assistance must be completed before a Travel Claim Form can be submitted. 

The College provides bursary funding to support eligible students with college related expenses:

• 16-18 learners who meet specific eligibility criteria and have a financial need, may be entitled to a bursary of up to £1,200 for the academic year
• 16-18 and 19+ learners can claim a termly bursary, subject to eligibility criteria being met

16-18 and 19+ learners who meet the eligibility criteria are able to claim a FREE meal daily from the college canteen

An Application For Financial Assistance must be completed before FREE meals can be accessed.

The College provides funding to support the purchase of uniforms and equipment for eligible learners as follows:

• 16-18 learners receive free essential uniform and equipment
• 19+ learners may be supported with the cost of uniforms and equipment, subject to eligibility criteria being met
• Learners in receipt of an Advanced Learner Loan have the cost of essential uniform and equipment included within their loan

Childcare funding is available for eligible learners as follows:

• Learners aged 16 - 19 are eligible for free childcare from a national scheme called Care-to-Learn.  Information and application forms are available on-line at www.gov.uk/care-to-learn
• 20+ learners can have the costs of childcare met for pre-school aged children that are placed with Ofsted registered child minders or nurseries. This is subject to the eligibility criteria being met
• Funding will cover timetabled activity, plus reasonable travel time to and from College

Learners will be expected to deduct free childcare made available by the Government from any potential claim.

Childcare: Student Information 2023-2024

Childcare Application 2023-2024

Childcare Voucher Sample

Childcare Voucher - Completion Guidance

Childcare Voucher 

For further information regarding financial support and the eligibility criteria please read the Student Finance Information.

You can apply for support by downloading the Application for Financial Assistance and once completed, please submit along with the required evidence to financial.support@derwentside.ac.uk alternatively, print off the forms complete and submit with the required evidence to the Finance Department. 

Should you have any queries regarding Financial Support you can contact Caroline Swainson on 01207 585 971 or email caroline.swainson@derwentside.ac.uk

Please click here to access the College's Financial Support for Learners Policy.