If you are 16-19, your Social Worker or Personal Advisor should also assist you to apply for an Education Maintenance Award (EMA), from the Department for Education and Skills (DfES)
during term time. www.dfes.gov.uk.

Further and higher education
When you have reached the age of 18, you can apply for further or higher education. You can be in full-time education up to your 20th birthday and still be on benefits. You will be offered a place if you meet the entry requirements but you will usually have to pay fees.

If you are a student aged 19-24 in full-time further education, the Directorate of Social Care and Health may be able to help you with the cost towards your rent, and a grant to pay the fees and any other expenses connected with your education. Speak with your Social Worker about this. You do not have to pay council tax if you are a full-time student.

If you are claiming benefits you are usually allowed to study on a part-time course without loss of benefits. For more information visit www.dfes.gov.uk, a website providing information and advice on all aspects of learning – qualifications, exams, money for learning and more.

There are several other useful websites which we have listed in this section of the guide,
some which allow you to search for a course in your locality. You can also find out about
courses in your area from your local library or by calling Learn Direct.

Learn Direct
Free helpline: 0800 100 900, 7 days a week, 8am-10pm
Minicom: 08000 568 865
Email: enquiries@learndirect-advice.co.uk - www.learndirect.co.uk
Free national telephone helpline for over-18 learners. Experienced advisors give impartial and confidential information and advice on careers and learning related issues – from hobbies to post graduate qualifications.

www.aimhigher.ac.uk
A website providing all the information you need to get started on the road to higher education.

Adult education classes
Adult education centres or community projects in your area offer courses in basic skills. To find out more contact your local library.

Floodlight
www.floodlight.co.uk – the official guide to full-time, part-time, short and evening courses in London. You can search for your nearest college on line.

Asylum seekers and refugees
For more information on further and higher education contact the Refugee Council in England
or Wales, as listed at the back of this guide.

In some areas, colleges and other providers run courses for asylum seekers and refugees.
You will not normally have to pay for English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL)
classes or for basic skills or vocational courses. Training may also be provided by other providers, including community groups. Some organisations provide childcare and/or transport costs.

Using existing qualifications
If you are not sure whether colleges will accept the qualifications you gained in your home country you can seek advice from:
The National Recognition Information Centre (UK NARIC)
Oriel House, Oriel Road, Cheltenham GL50 1XP.
Tel: 0871 330 7033
Email: info@naric.org.uk - www.naric.org.uk
This service will look at your qualifications and compare them to British qualifications. You will need to send evidence of your qualifications with a translation in English. There is a charge for this service.

Education Action International
3 Dufferin Street, London EC1Y 8NA. Tel: 020 7426 5800.
www.education-action.org
Offers education, training and employment advice to refugees and asylum seekers.

Disabled students
Skill, Chapter House, 18-20 Crucifix Lane, London SE1 3JW.
Free information line: 0800 328 5050 (voice) ; 0800 068 2422 (text)
Open Tuesday 11.30am - 1.30pm, Thursday 1.30pm - 3.30pm.
Email: info@skill.org.uk - www.skill.org.uk
Provides information and advice on post-16 education, training, volunteering and employment opportunities for people with disabilities.

Under 18s
Full-time students
If you continue with your education after 16, you will receive a personal allowance until you start
work or training or are able to claim income support at 18 as a full time student