At NKC Tonbridge College, we offer financial support to help students aged 16-18 with the cost of attending college. This includes bursaries, travel support, free meals, and assistance with essential course-related costs such as equipment and materials.
What financial support is available?
Students may be able to access:
- 16-18 Bursary Fund
- Travel support
- Travel discounts
- Free College Meals
- Childcare support
- Vulnerable Student Bursary
- Help with essential course costs
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Who can apply for financial support?
Financial support is available to eligible students studying on a government-funded course who meet the college’s household income criteria (typically below £28,000 per year). See policy here.
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Applications & Eligibility
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How and when do I apply?
Applications for financial support at NKC Tonbridge College open after the Easter holiday. You can apply online here or via the QR code available on financial support leaflets from reception. Please note that funds are limited, applications are assessed in order of receipt, and submitting an application does not guarantee funding.
The deadline to apply is 1st June for continuing students and 1st August for new students. Late applications will still be considered, but any fees due at enrolment must be paid upfront. If funding is awarded after enrolment, a refund may be issued for eligible costs.
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How are applicatins assessed?
To be eligible, applicants must meet the criteria set out in the bursary policy and provide the required evidence so the bursary team can assess the application. Applications submitted by 1st August are usually processed within 10 working days, while later applications may take up to 30 working days.
Outcomes are communicated via the student’s personal email (and parent/guardian where appropriate), with all correspondence also available on the bursary portal.
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How are bursary payments made?
Support may be provided as direct provision of equipment/trips or via BACS payments where applicable. Travel payments are made monthly in arrears from the end of September (or after approval for late applications).
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Is there an attendance requirements?
All awards are subject to a minimum 90% attendance requirement. Payments may be reduced or stopped if attendance falls below this level.
Appeals
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Can I appeal my financial support application?
We aim to ensure all financial support applications are assessed fairly and consistently. If you are not satisfied with the outcome of your application, you may request a review.
If you are not satisfied with the outcome of your bursary application, you have the right to request a review. We aim to ensure all applications are assessed fairly and transparently.
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How can I appeal?
If your application is unsuccessful and you wish to appeal, you must submit your appeal in writing to the Student Bursary Coordinator within 2 weeks of receiving your decision. Your application will then be reviewed and a final decision will be made.
If you remain unhappy following the outcome of your appeal, you can follow North Kent College’s Group formal complaints procedure here.
Help with Travel Expenses
If you need support with the cost of travelling to college, NKC Tonbridge College may be able to provide a contribution towards your travel expenses, depending on your circumstances.
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Am I eligible?
Students who live 1.5 miles or more from the College may be eligible for travel support. Funding is based on where you live, your timetable, and any other support you may already receive.
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How does travel support work?
Travel support is provided as a contribution towards your costs and will not exceed the cheapest travel option available. Payments are made directly to the student via BACS in monthly instalments in arrears.
Please note:
- Travel funding is awarded at the College’s discretion
- Payments are based on your attendance and timetable
- The College does not pay funds in advance or purchase travel tickets
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Attendance requirements?
Travel payments are subject to maintaining at least 90% attendance. If attendance falls below this level, payments may be reduced for that month.
Travel Discounts Available
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Are there any travel discounts available?
In addition to financial support, there are a range of travel discounts available to help reduce the cost of getting to NKC Tonbridge College. Students may also be eligible for external travel discounts. These include:
- Kent 16+ Travel Saver
- 16+ and 18+ Oyster Cards
- 16-17 Saver Railcard
- Arriva discounted tickets
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Kent 16+ Travel Saver
If you are aged 16-19 and live in Kent, you may be eligible for the Kent County Council 16+ Travel Saver. This can significantly reduce the cost of bus travel throughout the year, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.
Applications must be made directly through Kent County Council. Travel Saver cards are sent to the College, and you will be contacted when it is ready to collect from reception.
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Oyster Cards
If you live in a London borough, you may be able to use a 16+ or 18+ Oyster card for free or discounted travel within the London travel zones. If part of your journey is outside of the Oyster area, you may still be considered for additional travel support.
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Railcards
If you are aged 16 or 17, the 16-17 Saver railcard offers up to 50% off train fares and can help reduce the cost of travelling to college.
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Other Travel Discounts
You may also be able to access discounted travel through local providers, such as Arriva, which offer weekly, termly, or annual student tickets.
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Additional Information
If you live outside of Kent, including areas such as East Sussex, you may be able to access support through your local authority. Please check your local council website for further details.
Vulnerable Student Bursary
Students aged 16-18 at NKC Tonbridge College who meet specific criteria may be eligible for a Vulnerable Student Bursary of up to £1,200 per academic year.
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Who is eligible?
You may be eligible if you are:
- In local authority care or a care leaver
- Receiving Income Support or Universal Credit in your own right
- Supporting yourself (and possibly a dependent such as a child or partner)
- Receiving Disability Living Allowance (DLA) or Personal Independence Payment (PIP), along with ESA or Universal Credit
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What does the bursary cover?
The bursary is tailored to individual needs and may contribute towards:
- Travel to and from college
- Essential course trips
- Books, equipment, or uniform
An assessment will also be carried out for Free College Meals. If eligible, you will receive a weekly allowance loaded onto your student ID card, which can be used in the college café or refectory.
Childcare Support
At NKC Tonbridge College, childcare costs do not have to be a barrier to your education. Support is available through government-funded schemes to help you continue your studies.
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What support is available?
Students may be able to access childcare support through schemes such as Care to Learn, depending on their circumstances.
NKC Tonbridge College also offers access to on-site nursery provision (subject to availability and age requirements), supporting students with young children.
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How can I apply for childcare support?
Applications must include the following:
- A completed Financial Support Application form with evidence of household income
- Identification for your child (birth certificate, passport, or adoption papers)
- A signed agreement from your childcare provider
Free College Meals
Students at NKC Tonbridge College may be eligible for free college meals to help with the cost of food while studying.
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Who is eligible?
Free college meals are available for students aged 16-18, or 19+ with an EHCP, who meet government criteria. Eligibility is based on the student or their parent/guardian receiving certain benefits, including:
- Income Support (IS)
- Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
- Universal Credit
- Guaranteed element of State Pension Credit
- Support under Part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999
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Eligible students will receive a meal allowance of £2.61 per timetabled day, credited weekly to their student ID card. This can be used in the college café or refectory.
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{qaccordion|How do I apply for free college meals?}
To apply for free college meals, you will need to complete the Student Financial Support application form. This also covers applications for the 16-18 Bursary and Vulnerable Student Bursary.
For full details, please refer to the 16-18 Bursary Policy.
Need Support?
If you have any questions or need further assistance, please contact the Student Bursary Team at:
Email:
Or call the college reception at 01322 629400 and ask to speak to the Student Bursary Team.