Sixth form access funds

Lewisham, in partnership with the Learning Skills Council (LSC) is committed to supporting a strong school sixth form sector. We do so through a scheme of joint LSC and Borough funding.

The Sixth Form Access Fund provides support for school students who wish to stay on at school in the sixth form and might not be able to do so without the grant.

Who is eligible

• you must have the necessary requirements for entry to the Sixth Form and be following a course approved by the school (such as GCSE, A Level or GNVQ). Your school will be asked to confirm this
• you must be attending the closest school to your home, where the course is available
• you must be 16 years old before 1 September and no older than 19 on that date
• you must have been living in the British Isles for at least three years before starting the course.

You may also qualify If you fall into one or more of the following groups:

• you were permanently excluded from school in years 10 or 11
• you are looked after by the Local Authority (in care)
• you were absent from school for a long period during years 10 or 11.

How to access the service

For more information about 'Sixth form access funds' please see the Department for Education and Skills website.

Accessibility

Free School meal and clothing grants are available in a variety of different languages.

FAQ

What do I do if I think I might be eligible?

Your school, your education welfare officer or your social worker should be able to provide further information. If you or your parents need help filling in the forms please ask one of them, or Student Support, for help.

What else might I be entitled to other that the basic grant?

You may be entitled to an extra grant of for transport if you live more than four miles from school, are attending the closest sixth form and qualify for the basic maintenance grant.

If you live in an area where public transport is not available, live more than four miles from school and are attending the closest sixth form you may be able to obtain a place on a contract bus as a privileged fare-paying passenger. Extra places will be provided through the sixth form access fund wherever possible. Forms are available from theenter service name,enter telephone number

If you qualify for the basic maintenance grant you may receive assistance with:

• field trips, foreign exchanges, or work experience abroad. We may be able to match the school's contribution to the cost, or EU funding, thus enabling the school to reduce your contribution. Your school should submit a request on your behalf
• interview expenses for further education and higher education courses. You will have to produce tickets or receipts and have a letter of confirmation from your school
• if you are at school but attending college for some courses you may be eligible for transport costs between school and college. The school must submit a request for you so please ask them or the college about this. You do not have to be eligible for the basic maintenance grant to qualify for this
• if you are a parent, you could be eligible for a grant towards childcare costs. You do not have to be eligible for the basic maintenance grant to qualify for this.

What happens if I am eligible for a grant?

If you are told you are eligible for a grant you will be sent a financial form, which your parent/carer will have to fill in. You must return this form as quickly as possible.  

Is there funding available for other essential expenses?

Yes, if there is sufficient money left after basic grants have been paid, you may be eligible to claim for any of the following:

• the cost of essential equipment
• if you have a disability and your needs are not met from any other sources of funding you may be eligible for support from the fund. Your school must submit a request on your behalf and you should provide supporting information.

If you are eligible for the basic maintenance grant and have a specific requirement in relation to e.g. IT requirements, Duke of Edinburgh Award Schemes etc. your school can make a request for support on your behalf.

When and how is the grant paid?

Cheques will be made payable to you and sent to your school for collection. Payments for field trips etc will be made directly to the school.  

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

You have the right to appeal in writing, giving details of any special circumstances that may apply. Each case will be considered initially by senior staff.