Student Finance for new students in 2009/2010 and beyond

The responsibility for assessing applications for Higher Education support for students commencing a new course of study from September 2009 and beyond has transferred from Local Authorities (in this case Bracknell Forest Council) to a centralised organisation called Student Finance England.

Student Finance England is now responsible for the administration of Higher Education student support for all new students.  This also includes administering of Student related grants such as Childcare, Dependants Grant and the Disabled Students' Allowance.

Any prospective students who intend starting a new course of study from September 2009 onwards should make application direct to:-

Student Finance England
PO Box 210
Darlington
DL1 9HJ

Telephone No. 08456 077 577 or visit Student Finance England for more information.

Bracknell Forest Council is not involved in the process for new students at any stage and cannot offer advice, send out application forms or take copies of any documentation.

Continuing Students in 2010

All continuing students in the academic year 2010/2011 including those in receipt of any Higher Education related grants should continue to make an application direct to us.  Exceptions to this include anyone who has taken more than two years out from student finance, has withdrawn from their previous course or has never applied for support before 2009.  

Please contact us on 01344 354025 for a PR1 form or apply online through the following website: www.studentfinanceengland.co.uk

For Sixth Formers Staying On At School

There are two forms of financial assistance for pupils who attend sixth form courses at a school. One is a locally provided fund and one a national scheme:

• A Post-16 Learner Support Fund for pupils in schools is available to provide some financial assistance to pupils who remain in school beyond compulsory school age and who may experience difficulty meeting the costs incurred by attendance on the course. Students will qualify for this support if their household income is below £30,811. Each applicant will be required to make a written, detailed case for assistance and have it verified by their school. Examples of the type of assistance available are – books, specialist course related equipment, childcare and additional course costs such as field trips. There are specific eligibility criteria for assistance.  For more information and an application form you can call the Student Finance Team on 01344 354025.  
• Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA) - this scheme provides weekly payments and bonuses. It is means tested and allowances are assessed on household incomes. This scheme is not administered by the Local Authority and further information can be obtained from the EMA website

Students Attending Courses at College (Further Education)

Further Education and Sixth Form Colleges will have an FE Access Fund for their own students. Ask your college for a copy of the policy they use for allocating Access Funds - this should give you an idea as to whether your application is likely to be successful. Like the Post-16 Learner Support Funds for pupils staying on at school, this money can contribute towards any of the costs associated with your studies.

Contact List

Bracknell Forest Council Student Finance Team - for continuing students and for Learner Support Fund enquiries only.

Tel: 01344 354025

For all other Student Finance related enquiries you will need to call Student Finance England.

Tel: 0845 300 50 90