Help with funding and financial support
Understanding your options
Education is an investment for your future, but we understand that it can have financial implications in the short term. Our dedicated advisers are available to offer guidance, ensuring you’re well-informed about bursaries and any additional help you’re entitled to.
Bursary Fund
The Bursary Fund at Totton College is designed to help students cover the costs of full-time education. Eligible expenses include transport, books, educational equipment, related course trips, and costs associated with attending university interviews and open days.
Types of bursaries
- Vulnerable Bursary: For students who are either in care, care leavers, receiving Income Support or Universal Credit, Disability Living Allowance, Personal Independence Payments, and Employment and Support Allowance or Universal Credit in their own right. If you meet these criteria and are aged 16-18, you can apply for this bursary.
- Discretionary Bursary: Open to students who need financial support but do not qualify under the Vulnerable category. Assessment is based on household income and benefits.
Vulnerable bursary benefits
- Up to £1,200 for full-time study over 30 weeks or more.
- Pro-rated amounts for courses shorter than 30 weeks.
- Awards are based on actual financial need; you are not automatically awarded the full £1,200 if you do not need that level of support
Proof of eligibility
- Evidence such as a letter from your local authority or from the Department of Work and Pensions confirming your eligibility is required.
Free meals
You may also be able to apply for Free Meals if you or your parents are in receipt of one of the eligible benefits listed here. If you are eligible, we will make a free meals provision for you each day that you are in attendance on your course.
Exceptional hardship fund
For students facing financial difficulties who do not qualify for other bursaries, the Exceptional Hardship Fund offers potential one-off support. Please speak to your tutor / student services team to discuss anything you need help with.
Conditions for receiving financial support
- Only use the bursary to pay for the specific items that you need support with (for example travel costs or lunch)
- Attend all timetabled lessons (periods of sickness / absence may impact the amount you receive)
- Keep up to date with classwork, coursework, and homework
- Demonstrate excellent effort and attitude to learning
To confirm that money is being used for the reasons it was awarded (e.g. travel costs or lunch) you may be asked to provide receipts. Your teacher will let you know when we need these.
About you
- Must be over 16 and under 19 on August 31 of your enrolment year.
- Students 19 or older with an Education, Health, and Care Plan may apply for a Discretionary Bursary.
- You must meet the residency & eligibility requirements set out by the Education & Skills Funding Agency (ESFA). We will check this during your enrolment process.
How to apply
- Application forms and instructions are available at the Information Centre.
- Early applications are encouraged as funds are limited and distributed on a first-come, first-served basis.
Additional information
- Bursary funding does not impact other means-tested benefits such as Income Support, Jobseeker’s Allowance, Child Benefit, Working Tax Credit and Housing Benefit.
Confidentiality – How we use your personal information
Under the General Data Protection Regulation, we have a legal duty to protect your privacy. This means that we ensure your data is secure and that your information is shared ONLY with those who are allowed and need it within our organisation. You can view our privacy statements here and here.
For more information about funding, or to discuss your educational finance options, contact the Totton College Information Centre at info@totton.ac.uk or call 023 8087 4847.
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