Question 3

Further Education and Training

Are unaccompanied asylum seeking children (UASC) and children of asylum seekers entitled to Learner Support Funds (LSF)?

Discretionary Learer Support Funds are available to young people studying in FE colleges, school sixth forms and sixth form colleges whose access to, or completion of, education might be inhibited by financial considerations. They can be paid in addition to the Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA).

The funds are prioritised for those facing financial hardship, and can be used for:

Students aged 16-18

All young people, including UASC and children of asylum seekers, who are entitled to funding by the Learning and Skills Council (LSC) for their tuition fees i.e. are entitled to pay home fees (see Entitlement to post 16 education or LSC Learner Eligibility Guidance 2008/09 for eligibility criteria) and who are aged 16, 17 or 18 on the 31 August in the calendar year when they begin their programme of study are entitled to apply for LSF [1].

Students aged 19 and over (i.e. who are aged 19+ on the 31 August in the calendar year when they begin their programme of study)

Entitlement to LSF for this age group is dependent on immigration status.

Eligible students:

• Refugees who have not ceased to be ordinarily resident since their refugee status was granted.
• People refused refugee status but granted discretionary leave or humanitarian protection who have not ceased to be ordinarily resident in the UK since their limited leave was granted.

Asylum seekers aged 19+ are not entitled to LSF.

The application for LSF should be made directly to the college or school sixth form. FE institutions provide the grant on a discretionary basis, however all FE providers must have written policies for administering LSF which must include procedures for appealing in case of refusal.

Revised 31/10/08

NOTES

[1] LSC Learner Support Programme Discretionary Funding Guidance and Requirements 2008/09