Advanced learner loan bursary

Learners can apply for help with a bus pass or a contribution towards fuel costs.

The cost of a bus pass will be covered for adult Learners who live more than three miles from college. Please contact the Advice and Guidance Centre to apply for a Bus Pass.

For adult learners who live more than three miles from college, a contribution of up to £1000 (pro-rata) can be made towards the cost of fuel for learners who wish to drive into college. This will be made in two allocations, one in the Autumn Term and one in the Spring Term.

Transport costs for learners with disabilities who cannot access Public transport can be applied for up to a maximum of £1000.

The course tutor must supply the Advice and Guidance Centre with a detailed breakdown of equipment and general course costs. Under these circumstances, support can be given up to 100% of the full cost* of equipment once it has been established that the student has met the attendance criteria as laid out by the Attendance and Punctuality Policy.

* In some cases the full cost of equipment may be capped

80% of the cost of trips organised as part of the learner’s programme can be covered up to a maximum of £100 in total and 80% of the cost of a residential organised as part of the learner’s programme can be covered up to a maximum of £500 in total.

The learner is required to provide evidence of the trip to the Advice and Guidance Team once they have paid their deposit.

A meal up to the value of £3.50 can be obtained from the college food outlets for each day attending college. Eligible learners will use their student card to access this.

The maximum childcare support is £300 per week.

Learners will be required to pay a 10% contribution towards the cost of the childcare.

Childcare support can be used to support the costs of any form of formal registered childcare. This includes nursery, crèche, and childminder or out of school hours place.

Childcare costs cannot be paid to people who are not registered e.g. to friends or relatives.

All childcare costs will be paid to the registered person/organisation.

Childcare payments will normally only be made during term time, to cover sessions when the student is attending their course.

Learners who are in need of additional funds to support their attendance at college may be able to access help via discretionary payments. This is part of the Bursary Fund. The Learner Support Team can discuss and authorise appropriately to assist learners to meet their immediate needs. 

If you require their assistance or wish to discuss your requirements please contact the Advice & Guidance Centre.

All Bursary funds are given on the understanding that a student:

• Is in receipt of an Advanced Learner Loan
• Has met the attendance criteria as laid out by the Attendance and Punctuality Policy and
• Is making good progress and
• Completes the course and
• There are still funds available

If any of the above criteria is not met then the student will be liable to pay back any awards made to them from the Bursary Fund.

All allocations are made subject to funds being available; as this is a finite fund there may be occasions when applications are reduced to allow fair allocations of the funds.

Appeals Procedure

Learners have the right to appeal against any decision made in connection with their Learner Support Fund application.

Learners wishing to appeal should put the details of their concern in writing and send it to guidancecentre@petroc.ac.uk. The appeals panel will be convened within five working days from the following personnel: The Tutorial Enrichment and Tutorial Manager who was not directly involved in the original decision-making process. The result of this appeal will be given in writing within 10 working days of the receipt of the learner's appeal.