Learner Support Fund

This page contains all the information in respect of Learner Support Funds (LSFs) for those students studying post 16 at school.

Frequently asked questions

What is the Learner Support Fund?

The Learner Support Fund (LSF) is a fund provided by the government to enable The Local Education Authority (LEA) to pay grants to students.

LSF grants are used to provide financial help to students to continue or complete their studies. They are intended for those students who are studying Post 16 courses in the sixth form at school and experiencing serious financial difficulties.

Please remember that each application is judged on the basis of “relative financial need” and that not all applications will be successful.

You should apply as soon as possible as funds are limited. Each application is considered on its individual merit. Priority will be given to those who are/ have:

• Disadvantaged by either physical or financial constraints
• Disabled (including those with a sensory impairment)
• Learning difficulties
• Been in care, are on probation, are very young parents (16 – 19) or are otherwise considered to be at risk
• Lone parents
• Taking programmes where the primary learning goal is adult basic education or English for speakers of other languages (English as a second language – ESOL)
• Dependants of those receiving or student receiving a means-tested state benefit including those on Working Families’ Tax Credit
• Students on low incomes or from low income families identified by appropriate means-testing
• Difficulties who need support with transport, childcare or other associated learning costs

Any direct payment you, the student, receives from the Access Fund may affect the amount of benefit you receive and it is your duty to disclose the amount to the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP).

Who is eligible to receive a grant from the LSF?

Students must:

• Be resident in Wolverhampton
• Be aged 16 to 19 years
• Have completed compulsory secondary schooling before the start of the course
• Be a registered pupil at school
• Apply to the Local Education Authority (LEA) in whose area they usually live
• Demonstrate their financial need (applicants must provide evidence of income and possibly living expenses)

What is the grant for?

Grant is payable to help you with additional costs incurred as a result of attending your course, e.g.

• Travel
• Field trips/school visits
• Registration fees for an awarding body (e.g. BTEC)
• Travel for higher education interviews
• Childcare facilities (e.g. costs of a registered child-minder)

You should be aware that if you have received financial assistance and leave before the completion of your course you may be required to repay all or part of the grant.

If your progress or attendance proves to be unsatisfactory, money may be withheld.

How much grant can I apply for?

The grant you receive depends on your household income. If your household income is  £13,000 or less, you will be entitled to the full amount of grant (up to £400).

If the income is between £13,001 and £23,000, you will receive part of the grant. If the income is £23,001 and above, you will not receive any grant.

How do I apply?

Application forms are available from

For students in the sixth form at school:

• Head of Post 16 Education at a Wolverhampton School
• Pupil and Student Services (LINK).

For students studying at college Wolverhampton City College operates a similar scheme for it's students.

Please complete the application form fully and accurately.  Make sure that

• you and your parent(s)/guardian(s) sign and date the form
• that you take the form to your personal tutor or Head of Post 16 Education for his/her signature
• the form is stamped with the school stamp
• you attach all relevant supporting papers (e.g. proof of income/benefit payments)
• you return the form by 31 December 2005 (later applications will be considered subject to availability of funding).

What will happen then?

Your application will be assessed and you will be advised whether we are able to pay you any grant.

If your application is successful we will normally arrange for a cheque, made payable to you, to be sent to your school during the Autumn Term.

You will therefore need to have a bank or building society account so that you can cash the cheque.

Alternatively we may make other arrangements as we consider appropriate (e.g. travel pass).

Payment will only be made once we are satisfied that you are registered on the full-time course and that you are attending classes. 

If your application is unsuccessful you will be given the reason(s) why it was refused. You will also be advised of the appeals process.

When and how is the grant paid?

Grants are paid in the form of a cheque paid directly to the student upon receipt of a valid application form.

How can I get more information?

If you are unsure how to fill in the application form or require any other help regarding the Access Fund and how it operates, please contact your Personal Tutor or Head of Post 16 Education in your school.

Alternatively you can contact Pupil and Student Services Section (LINK).

We are able to receive personal callers at the following times only:

• Mondays to Thursdays, 8.30am to 5pm
• Fridays, 8.30am to 4.30pm

Do I have the right to appeal if I am refused a grant?

If your application is unsuccessful you will be given the reason(s) why it was refused. You will also be advised of the appeals process.