Applying to a local education authority (LEA) for support
Generally you apply to the LEA in whose area you normally live at the time of the application, even if you intend to study outside that area. For example if you pay your council tax to South Gloucestershire Council apply to South Gloucestershire LEA. Once you are registered with an authority they would normally continue to administer your support throughout the course.
Automated Response Technology Identification (ART ID)
When you apply on-line or with a paper application you will be issued with an ART ID (Automated Response Technology Identification) number, which is 11 digits long. This is your unique number, which will be linked to you whenever you apply for support.
Withdrawing from a course
If you want to withdraw from a course you should notify the LEA as soon as possible. Your university should also send us confirmation of your last date of attendance. You will begin to pay back any loan the following April.
If you received a grant you may have to repay some of the money as you are only entitled to grant assistance for the time you are in attendance.
Suspending studies - effect on support
You and the university will need to write to us giving details and approval of your suspension. We will reassess you for the support you will be entitled to up until your suspension. Your support should be reinstated when the university confirms your return to study.
Support for a second degree
If you have an honours degree you may only be entitled to support for a second degree if you are on a course leading to a professional qualification in a number of areas, including medical doctor, dentist, veterinary doctor and architect. Students with an ordinary degree wanting to top it up to an honours degree may be entitled to one year's full support. Please contact The Student Access and Support Office for further advice.
Applying for support after a break in studies
Example: If you started a course in 2002/03 but did not complete your first year, would this affect your support if you apply again in 2008/09?
Support will be available for the length of your course, plus one year (if needed) less any years of previous study.
Fees and loans for Post Graduate Certificate in Education (PGCE)
From September 2006 PGCE students can be charged up to £3,145. There is no longer a fee grant available but £1,260 of the maintenance grant is non-income assessed. You will be able to take out a fee loan as tuition fees no longer have to be paid upfront and a maintenance loan but you indicate on your loan request form (found in the PN1 application form) how much (if any) loan you require.
PGCE training bursaries
Your training college will arrange payments for the bursary. You can get more information on teacher training support and other issues from the Teaching Information Line on 0845 6000 991.
Applying for support for a course starting in October 2008
Paper application packs are available from the Student Access and Support Team from the end of February 2008:
- South Gloucestershire schools should also have a supply of forms in their 6th form departments
- South Gloucestershire offices in Thornbury (Castle Street), Kingswood (Civic Centre), one-stop shop (Yate) and Chipping Sodbury (Bowling Hill)
You will be able to apply on-line from TBA 2008:
- On the Student Finance Direct website or
- Paper application form PN1 can be downloaded from the DfES website
- Question: I started a course in September 2004. My parents are divorced. Do both parents have to provide their financial details?
Financial status of divorced parents
If you start a course in 2004 and your parents get divorced, only the parent that is responsible for you, usually the one you are living with, needs to provide a financial statement. However, your parent will be asked to provide proof of the divorce or separation.
Students starting their course in the 2008/09 academic year however, will be assessed using the 'household' income. This will include the income of:
- The student (unearned)
- The natural parent and
- If applicable the co-habiting partner (of the same or opposite sex)
If you started your course before September 2004 you do not have to provide step-parent details unless they have officially adopted you.
Qualifying as an independent student
Even if you do not live with your parents, to qualify as independent, you must:
- Be 25 before the start of the academic year (1st September)
- Have been self-supporting for at least 3 years before the start of the course (evidence will have to be provided)
- Be married (or entered into a civil partnership) before the start of the academic year
- Have care of a child on the first day of the academic year
Receiving the results of my application
If you have applied by the closing date (end of June for new students) you should hear by mid-August.
Loan payment
Loans are usually paid in three instalments by BACS directly into your bank account at the start of your first term. When you register make sure you take your 'notification letter' with you, as the university must notify the Student Loans Company of your attendance by scanning the bar code on your letter. Further payments are usually paid into your bank at the start of each term.
For further help and information
The Children and Young People Information Service - see contact information opposite.
Customer Service Office. Telephone 08456 077 577 every day from 6am to midnight.
The Student Loans Company (SLC). The SLC can be contacted on freephone 0800 405010.