Financial Support for Students aged 16-18 at NKC Hadlow College
At NKC Hadlow College, we offer financial support to help students aged 16-18 with the cost of attending college. This includes bursaries, travel support, free meals, and help with essential course-related costs such as equipment and materials.
What financial support is available?
Students may be able to access:
- 16–18 Bursary Fund
- Travel support
- Travel discounts
- Free College Meals
- Childcare support
- Vulnerable Student Bursary
- Help with essential course costs
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Who can apply for Financial Support?
Financial support is available to eligible students studying on a government-funded course who meet the college’s household income criteria (typically below £28,000 per year). See policy here.
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How and when do I apply?
Applications open after the Easter break. You can apply online or via the QR code on financial support information available from reception. Applications are assessed in order of receipt and funding is limited, so early application is strongly recommended. Applying does not guarantee an award.
Deadlines are:
- 1st June for continuing students
- 1st August for new students
Late applications will still be considered, but any fees due at enrolment must be paid in full. If funding is awarded later, eligible costs may be refunded.
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How are applications assessed?
All applications must include the required supporting evidence so eligibility can be assessed. Applications received by 1st August are usually processed within 10 working days. Later applications may take up to 30 working days.
Outcomes are sent to the student’s personal email (and parent/guardian where appropriate) and can also be viewed via the bursary portal.
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How are bursary payments made?
Support may be provided as direct provision of equipment/trips or via BACS payments where applicable. Travel payments are made monthly in arrears from the end of September (or after approval for late applications).
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Is there an attendance requirement?
All awards are subject to a minimum 90% attendance requirement. Payments may be reduced or stopped if attendance falls below this level.
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Can I appeal my financial support application?
We aim to ensure all financial support applications are assessed fairly and consistently. If you are not satisfied with the outcome of your application, you may request a review.
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How can I appeal?
Appeals must be submitted in writing to the Student Bursary Coordinator within 2 weeks of receiving your decision. Your application will then be reviewed, and a final decision will be made.
If you remain unhappy after the appeal outcome, you may follow the North Kent Colleges Group formal complaints procedure here
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Can I get help with travel expenses?
NKC Hadlow College may be available to help with the cost of travelling to College, depending on your circumstances.
Who is eligible?
Students who live 1.5 miles or more from college may be eligible. Funding is based on distance, timetable, and any other funding already received.
How does travel support work?
Travel support is a contribution towards costs and will not exceed the cheapest available travel option. Payments are made monthly in arrears via BACS directly to the student.
Please note:
- Funding is awarded at the College’s discretion
- Payments depend on attendance and timetable
- The College does not purchase travel tickets or pay in advance
Attendance requirements
Travel support is subject to maintaining at least 90% attendance. Payments may be reduced if attendance falls below this level.
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Travel Discounts Available
There are several additional travel discounts that may help reduce the cost of getting to college.
Are there any travel discounts available?
Students may also be eligible for external travel discounts. These include:
- Kent 16+ Travel Saver
- 16+ and 18+ Oyster Cards
- 16–17 Saver Railcard
- Arriva discounted tickets
- Support available through other local authorities
Kent 16+ Travel Saver
Students aged 16-19 living in Kent may be eligible for discounted bus travel through Kent County Council. Tickets cover travel throughout the year, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.
Oyster cards (London students)
If you live in London Borough, you may be eligible for 16+ or 18+ Oyster card for free or discounted for travel within London zones. If part of your journey is outside of the Oyster area, you may still be considered for additional travel support.
Railcards
If you are aged 16 or 17, the 16-17 Saver Railcard, offering up to 50% off rail travel.
Other travel discounts
Discounted travel may also be available through local providers such as Arriva for termly or weekly tickets.
Students living outside Kent should check their local authority for additional support.
Additional Information
If you live outside of Kent, including areas such as East Sussex, you may be able to access support through your local authority. Please check your local council website for further details.
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What is the vulnerable student bursary?
Some students aged 16-18 may be eligible for a Vulnerable Student Bursary of up to £1,200 per academic year.
Who is eligible?
You may be eligible if you are:
- In local authority care or a care leaver
- Receiving Income Support or Universal Credit in your own name
- Financially supporting yourself or a dependent
- Receiving DLA or PIP alongside qualifying benefits such as ESA or Universal Credit
What does the bursary cover?
This bursary is tailored to individual needs and may contribute towards:
- Travel to and from college
- Essential trips
- Books, equipment, or uniform
Eligible students are also assessed for Free College Meals. Where awarded, a weekly allowance is credited to your student ID card for use in college catering facilities.
Please view the bursary policy for full details.
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Can I get help childcare costs?
The cost of childcare should not be a barrier to your education at NKC Hadlow College. Through Government-funded schemes, financial support may be available to help eligible students continue their studies while caring for children.
Students aged under 19 at the start of their course may be able to apply for childcare support through the Government’s Care to Learn scheme, accessed via the College. For further information and support with applying, please contact the Student Bursary Team.
How do I apply?
To be considered for childcare support, you will need to submit:
- A completed Financial Support Application form with all required household income evidence
- Proof of your child’s identity (birth certificate, passport, or adoption papers)
- A completed agreement signed by both the student and childcare provider
Further details about the scheme, including eligibility and how it works, are available in the College’s Care to Learn Policy.
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Can I get free college meals?
Students at NKC Hadlow College may be eligible for free college meals to help with the cost of food while studying.
Who is eligible?
Students aged 16-18 (or 19+ with an EHCP) may qualify if they or their household receive benefits such as:
- Income Support (IS)
- Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
- Universal Credit (within thresholds)
- Guaranteed Pension Credit
- Support under the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999
What will I receive?
Eligible students receive a £2.61 daily meal allowance, credited weekly to their student ID card for use in the college café or refectory.
How to apply?
To apply for free college meals, you will need to complete the Student Financial Support application form, which also covers bursary applications.
For full details, please refer to the 16-18 Bursary Policy (link to page, waiting for updated documents)
Need Support?
If you require any further help, please contact our Student Bursary Team