• Make sure your education provider is a Silver, Gold or Platinum level member of Skills and Education Group. A map of current member organisations can be viewed on our Membership page.
• Look at the tips and other resources on the page below to help you write the best application possible.
• Gather all the information you’ll need to complete the application.
• Be as detailed as possible in your responses on the application.
• Focus your answers on how the grant will help you with your educational and career goals.
• Review your application with your tutor.
• Ask us for help if there’s anything you don’t understand.
• Complete the application form and submit it to us.
• Have a representative from your education provider complete a Grant Application Endorsement Form.

Outlining barriers and challenges you face

It’s important that we understand how receiving funding would help you to overcome the barriers you face and move forward in your education and employment journey. Be detailed and specific, and make sure that the barriers relate to education and employment.

Explaining what you will do with the Learner Grant

You will need to say what you will do with funding. Identify purchases you will make, but please clearly explain how these connect to your course, will benefit your education, and will address some of the challenges you face (question 5). Do not just provide a list of the things you want.

Providing detailed information

We need to understand how our support will help you. To do this, we need as much information as possible, and it must be specific.

Weak response: I need £800 for a laptop and software.

Strong response: I will spend £800 of this grant on the purchase of a high-spec laptop and college- and workplace-grade music production software. I will then be able to continue my studies at home and over the holidays. This will mean that I have to travel to college less to take advantage of their facilities, meaning that I can save money, time and cut down on my personal stress. All whilst learning independently and developing my skills.

Getting a statement from staff at your learning provider

Successful applicants provide a supporting statement from staff. We strongly advise that you submit a staff supporting statement with your application, otherwise your grant application will not proceed beyond the first stage.

Supporting Statement Form

For individuals who demonstrate financial need and show how funding will benefit their studies, grants can be used to pay for things like:

• Electronic equipment that aids learning (e.g. laptops, tablet devices)
• Course tools (e.g. catering equipment, hair and beauty equipment, IT software, etc.)
• Course textbooks
• PPE or appropriate workwear
• Debt management (e.g. utilities, internet etc.)
• Cost of living support (e.g. travel costs, food, etc.)
• Physical and mental health (e.g. counselling, eye tests, gym memberships)
• Childcare or wider family costs
• Tuition fees or educational trips

Tell your story, including why you need a grant and how you will use the grant for your studies. Highlight the barriers you face and hope to overcome. Statements must be 250 to 400 words.

People’s challenges and goals may differ. Some examples of barriers include:

• Financial pressures
• Physical health 
• Mental health
• Learning difficulties or disabilities
• Travel or workspace pressures
• Job prospects or future qualifications
• Support for childcare, wider family care

Some examples of goals include:

• Self-improvement/inspiration
• Following a passion for a course of learning
• Building a sense of independence
• Working toward a career

We’ll tell you by email if your application has been successful. If we need more information, we will contact you directly.

14 working days. We will let you know if there are any delays.