Any grants available for students

happyhero

Hi my daughter has just left school and is about to start art college, USA in Epsom, Surrey. She's 16 and says she's doing a diploma. We have low income of about £10000 per year which is due to my wife's part time job. I am training to be a trader in stocks and shares and have some investments that bring income. It's not a glamorous life style though as the income is not great and so we struggle, obviously I'm hoping to improve this as time goes by. My investments are via ISAs and so mostly don't count towards income calculations so far.

We receive both child and working tax credits.

So far at the start of my daughters year I have paid about £400 for bits and pieces she needs, but I'm worried how many more costs will come through the year.

I know she could get a loan but I feel a bit bad starting her life off with a debt, and we are wondering if she or us may be entitled to any sort of grant.

She lives at home with us.

Any ideas?

agrinnall

It doesn't really seem that different to staying on at school, and I don't think any grants would be available for that.

Alice_Walker

Is there any reason why either adult cannot get full time paid employment?

shopaholicz

With your low income she should get a college bursary and some help with bus fare costs. Some colleges also do free lunches, in much the same way as free school meals for 16-18 year olds.

Has she also thought of getting a part time job of her own?

ColinFishwick

When my daughter was 16 and we on low income, she use to do a part time job working in a local hotel that caters purely for coach parties. She did this until she went to uni, all in local area. We didn't get any help other than tax credits

WibblyGirly

Do they not do EMA anymore at colleges? It could be up to £30 a week when I went to college (2005-07) but since my parents earnt too much I had to get a part time job to pay for everything needed.

agrinnall

Alice_Walker wrote: »

Is there any reason why either adult cannot get full time paid employment?

Yes, that was my other thought too. The OP took the decision to have a child, and should do what everyone else does and support that child by working rather than expecting somebody else to fund their education.

missbiggles1

happyhero wrote: »

Hi my daughter has just left school and is about to start art college, USA in Epsom, Surrey. She's 16 and says she's doing a diploma. We have low income of about £10000 per year which is due to my wife's part time job. I am training to be a trader in stocks and shares and have some investments that bring income. It's not a glamorous life style though as the income is not great and so we struggle, obviously I'm hoping to improve this as time goes by. My investments are via ISAs and so mostly don't count towards income calculations so far.

We receive both child and working tax credits.

So far at the start of my daughters year I have paid about £400 for bits and pieces she needs, but I'm worried how many more costs will come through the year.

I know she could get a loan but I feel a bit bad starting her life off with a debt, and we are wondering if she or us may be entitled to any sort of grant.

She lives at home with us.

Any ideas?

Because of your daughter's age and educational level, you'll be able to carry on claiming CB and CTC so your financial position will be unchanged.

She won't be eligible for a loan.

TheGardener

WibblyGirly wrote: »

Do they not do EMA anymore at colleges? It could be up to £30 a week ...

EMA ended in England a couple of years ago - only available in Scotland/Wales/N.Ireland now I think.

Student loans are only available at Higher Education (University level) I'm not aware of any banks that will extend credit to under 18's or anyone not working.

DD getting a part time job would be the way to go if you and your partner are unable to work more hours/earn more.

EDIT: having looked at the USA site, as the diploma is a pre-uni level course and DD is under 19, she would be eligible for a bursary but not a student loan as such. Your daughter can get a college bursary may be available for lunches, travel and essential books/equipment. These bursaries are usually dependant on attendance and progressing at the expected level (doing the work set etc)
I don't think I spent £400 on my teen's college stuff in the whole 2 years he was at college!

sheramber

why can't you use your investments to support your daughter?

ciderwithrosie_2

Art courses can be expensive because of materials/equipment needed, even when I did graphic design, 30+ years ago and had to buy pens, markers, photographic materials and drawing pads.

Usually there's a trip or two to go on as well. My son went to Madrid during his course, which we managed to scrape together the money for between us, but we had to say no to the New York trip in his foundation year.

He has gone on to Uni to do special effects make-up and prosthetics and is about to start his 3rd year, the equipment costs for this course have been about £900 so far! I say this in case your daughter has plans to go on to Uni also.

I would encourage your daughter to look for some part-time work, all of my 3 had to when they started at college.