Current situation

Opening hours

The office is open to personal callers on weekdays between 2pm and 4pm.

You can also contact us by telephone on weekdays between 2pm and 4pm.

Full time higher education

Application forms for the 2008 to 2009 academic year are now available and can be collected from the Student Support Team, or your school. Alternatively, you can download or complete an application on the Student Finance Direct website.

Once we have received your form you will get a letter to confirm this and when we have assessed your entitlement you will get a letter to tell you how much money you can have. This letter is your notification of entitlement.

If you applied online, and have received a letter or letters from the Student Loans Company asking you to provide evidence that you are sure you have already provided, please ignore these letters, which are sent out automatically and are beyond our control.

Part time higher education

The deadline has now passed for applications for funding for part time courses starting in September 2007. Forms for 2008 to 2009 funding will be available towards the end of August 2008.

Further education at school

The School Access Fund policy for the 2007 to 2008 academic year is available on this website. The policy for 2008 to 2009 will be posted on the website as soon as it has been approved.

Further education at college

This council does not offer funding to students who wish to undertake courses at a college of further education rather than a school. Students should instead contact the college they are to attend to see whether they can apply for help from college access to learning/hardship funds.

The Department for Education and Skills publishes a booklet called Money to Learn, which can be accessed through the Lifelong Learning website.