Catch 22

Are you thinking about going to uni....?

Routes into Higher Education

Where you can get money from?

There are many different ways of gaining qualifications that can lead to university, either through sixth form, college or apprenticeships. The table below shows where qualifications can lead to.

Higher Education (University)

Level 4+

Level 3

Level 2

A Levels or International Baccalaureate

Advanced Diploma

GCSEs (5 x A*- C

Higher Diploma

BTEC Level 3

BTEC Level 2

Advanced Apprenticeship or NVQ Level 3

Apprenticeship Or NVQ Level 2

■ Student Finance England – Tuition Fee Loan to cover the full cost of your tuition fees and; – Maintenance Loan to support your living costs. You will need to pay these loans back after you have finished university and earning over £21,000 per year. You pay back 9% of whatever you earn over £21,000 per year.

This is deducted from you wage with your tax and national insurance. E.g. if you are earning £24,000 per year you will pay back £5.62 per week.

– As a care leaver you are likely to receive a full maintenance grant of approx £3000 which you don’t have to pay back – You will need to provide proof of being a care leaver, such as a letter from your social worker or YPA – Disabled Students’ Allowance for students with a disability or additional learning difficulty

Level 1

GCSEs D-G

Foundation Diploma

BTEC Level 1

NVQ Level 1 or other Level 1 Qualification

■ Local Authority - Suffolk County Council will pay you: – A non repayable weekly Income Maintenance allowance during term time – A non-repayable Higher Education Bursary to support you with your studies. This is a one-off payment – Money towards books and course materials

Benefits of Higher Education

£££ Money Matters £££

■ Increase your opportunities to find a career that you enjoy

Thinking about how you’re going to fund university can be really stressful; here’s a quick guide to help you find financial support

■ Increase your lifetime earning potential ■ Study something you enjoy ■ Develop life skills ■ Meet lots of new people and make new friends ■ Join clubs and societies from sports clubs including netball, football and ultimate Frisbee to societies such as drama, debating, religious groups and even the ‘chocolate appreciation society’!

How much does it cost?

For students starting university in or after September 2012 tuition fees will be between £6,000 and £9,000 depending on the course and university – you should check this before you apply. DON’T PANIC – you’re not expected to pay this money out of your own pocket straight away. You can get loans, grants and support from your local authority to help.

You also have to think about your living costs: accommodation, food, social life etc.

– Accommodation costs for university holidays – The Looked After Children Education Support Service (LACESS) will provide you with a laptop

Other income ■ Job – Many students get a part time job whilst at university to help with their living costs.

There student jobs out there and this is also a great time to gain some extra experience whilst at university.

■ Student Bank Account – Students are recommended to get a student bank account which often comes with great benefits. They usually include an interest free overdraft element, some offer additional benefits such as a free rail card. Shop around for the account that’s right for you.

What Next ...

■ Speak to your Social Worker or Young Persons Advisor to explore you ideas. Your Social Worker or Young Persons Advisor is always there to give you further advice and guidance ■ Attend open days at universities you are interested in applying to – ask your social/ support worker how you can do this ■ There are real benefits from telling universities you are applying to that you come from a care background. For example, many universities have additional bursaries available, and some can also ensure you have student accommodation all year if you want it. Some university websites will recommend a specific person to speak to, but if not, just contact the admissions office. Look out for the Frank Buttle Quality Mark, these universities are dedicated to supporting care leavers.

Further information For more information the following are good places to start: www.direct.gov.uk/studentfinance for more information on funding www.direct.gov.uk/en/educationandlearning for general information on Higher Education https://nextstep.direct.gov.uk to search different career profiles www.future4me.org.uk for courses available in Suffolk www.thesource.me.uk for information and careers advice from the Suffolk Connexions service www.ucas.com to search for universities and courses and guidance on how to apply for university www.unistats.co.uk to compare courses and universities

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There are lots of different people from all sorts of backgrounds at university, with all different interests, so there is always some kind of social thing to do, whether it’s a party, social drinks or watching films all night!

Kerry Thacker – Current Psychology and Youth Studies Student at UCS

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