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Looked after Children & Care Leavers

The College of North West London has a dedicated Learner Services team to ensure you have the best chance of success and to support you every step of the way. The Student Support Officers are the single point of contact for Looked After Children, Care Leavers, and their Social Workers/Virtual Schools.

If you are 16, 17, or 18 on 31st August (the year you start college) and

  • In local authority care or a care leaver
  • Estranged from your family and receiving Income Support in your own name
  • In receipt of Disability Living Allowance and Employment Support Allowance in your own name

You may be entitled to an Enhanced Bursary of up to £1,200 for the academic year 2024-25. This funding is to support the costs associated with attending college and is awarded according to your individual financial needs.

Our team can offer you

  • Contact with a Student Support Officer prior to enrolment to support your transition to college.
  • Pre-application and on-course support from our Student Support Officers and Careers Advisors on a personalised 1:1 basis.
  • 1:1 careers appointment to discuss progression options.
  • Support in applying for university scholarships and bursaries.
  • Emergency support in the form of emergency travel assistance for unforeseen events that may affect your ability to study.
  • Personal and emotional support, with referrals to other professional agencies where appropriate.
  • Support and assistance in applying for financial aid.
  • Support in applying for Care to Learn for young parents aged under 20 at the start of the course.

So how does the Enhanced bursary work?

The bursary is paid to you every 2 weeks and is dependent on you reaching 85% attendance at college per week. This means that you need to attend all your timetabled classes including English & Maths to receive your Enhanced bursary.

What about financial support for Care leavers/estranged young people aged over 19?

If you are aged 19 or over when you start your course you may be eligible for financial support from the Discretionary Learner Support Fund.  If you are in receipt of an Advanced Learning Loan you may be eligible for a 19+ Advanced Learning Loan bursary to assist you towards the cost of books, travel and equipment. 

If you would like more information and would like to speak to a Student Support Officer please email studentadvice@ucg.ac.uk