Financial Support

The Financial Support and Free Meals guide shows how you can access support, eligibility information is shown below:

• For students who are aged 16 to 18 on 31 August 2023; aged 19 and on the 2nd year of their course, you may be eligible for the Vulnerable Bursary or Discretionary Bursary

• For students in further education aged 19+ on 31 August 2023 and studying a funded course at entry level, Level 1, 2 or 3, you may be eligible for the Discretionary Learner Support (DLS)

• For those aged 19+ on the first day of your course studying a Level 3, 4, 5 or 6 qualification, you can apply for an Advanced Learner Loan to help with the costs of a course. Your eligibility for this loan does not depend on your income and there are no credit checks. You will have to pay your loan back when you have finished your course and are earning over £27,295 a year. To help with travel, childcare or other course-related cost, additional support is available via the Loan Bursary.

• Welfare Fund: For students who are not eligible for the DLS or a bursary and who are in severe financial difficulty.

Ready to apply? Visit https://westthames.paymystudent.com/  

• 16+ Oystercard: Free travel on all London buses and trams and half price on tube and overground. Eligible if you are aged 16, 17 or 18 on 31st August 2023.

• 18+ Student Oystercard: Eligible if you are aged 19+ on 31st August 2023 and you are studying a full-time course. 30% discount on all adult travel cards, bus and tram pass season tickets

• Apprentice Oystercard: Offers apprentices aged 18+ a 30% discount on all adult-rate travel cards, bus and tram pass season tickets.

For more information, visit: http://www.tfl.gov.uk/fares-and-payments/oyster?intcmp=1683

• Bus and Tram Discount Photocard: Get a 50% discount on all London buses and trams. Excludes train travel. You can get this card if you have been in receipt of income support, job seekers allowance or employment and support allowance (ESA) or Universal Credits for at least 13 weeks. Get a paper application form from the Post Office or Jobcentre Plus offices

• Disabled persons Freedom Pass: Gives people with disabilities (including epilepsy) free travel on London buses, trams, tube and overground.You can apply via your local council.

• 16-17 railcard: Gives you 50% discount on season tickets, peak, off-peak and advanced fares. (Available from September)

Care to Learn (C2L): Helps young parents (aged up to and including 19) with the cost of Ofsted registered childcare and related transport costs. For details contact the Learner Support Helpline on 0800 121 8989 or go to www.gov.uk/care-to-learn.

You can also speak to the college nursery on 020 8326 2318. Additional Learning Support: Additional help is available for adult students aged 19+, contact inclusion department for more information, email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 

Job vacancies are displayed in the Student Services area. A careers adviser will help you search for vacancies, give advice on CVs, job applications, writing letters and making phone calls.

Please note your benefits may be reduced as the result of your income