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 receive 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 access a FREE meal daily from the college canteen.

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

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 in their loan amount 

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 cost of childcare met for pre-school aged children that are placed with Ofsted registered providers. This is subject to the eligibility criteria being met
• Funding will cover timetabled hours, plus reasonable travel time to and from College

Learners will be expected to deduct free government childcare provision from any potential claim.

Childcare: Student Information 2024-2025

Childcare Application 2024-2025

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, submit along with the required evidence to financial.support@derwentside.ac.uk alternatively, pick one up from the main college reception, complete and return with the necessary evidence to the Finance Department or the main reception. 

If you have any queries regarding Financial Support you can contact the email address above or alternatively, Caroline Swainson at caroline.swainson@derwentside.ac.uk or on 01207 585 971.

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