Higher education
The Leaving Care Team has high aspirations for our care leavers. Our aim is to see that you are successful in education. We will support you to make progress and to equip you with the life tools to make appropriate good choices to progress through education and into employment. We can help you apply for student finances and look at the universities that you are interested in going to. We work closely with Connexions and Virtual School, who can help you with your personal statements, if you need support.
Many universities give out bursaries which you may be able to claim as a care leaver. Contact the University student finance service to see what funds they have available. e.g., some provide £1000 per year to care leavers, or reduce fees. Please refer to the Become website for a list of universities and what financial help they offer.
Southend will pay you a University Bursary on top of what you receive from student finance. This totals £2000 over the duration of your degree and it’s paid approximately a month into the new academic year and split as follows:
- £700 1st year
- £700 2nd year
- £600 3rd year
When in University, we will support you with rent payment in the holidays in line with the local housing allowance rate.
During the holidays we will also pay you an allowance of £38.46 per week to help with living costs.
Also, up to £150 per year (for max. 3 years) towards books and stationery, and there is support available with travel costs needed for the given activity.