Financial Support For Students

Detailed information on financial support during training can be found on the Training and Development Agency for School's (TDA) web site http://www.tda.gov.uk/Recruit/thetrainingprocess/fundinginengland.aspx

The information provided below is a brief summary of the key aspects.

Tuition Fees

Since 2006/2007, universities and colleges of higher education have applied variable tuition fees. SWTT have set the figure for 2009/2010 at £2900 (there is a Maintenance Grant available how much you will be eligible for will be means tested ) this will be through the SLC and LA.

Living Costs

1. Training Bursary - A Training Bursary of £9000 is paid to all students that meet the DCFS criteria. This is paid in nine equal monthly installments from October to June. Students in the Secondary Shortage areas of Design & Technology, Science and Information Technology will also receive a "Golden Hello" of £2500 when they begin their second year of teaching (£5,000 for Science Trainees).
2. Loans - Loans are available to help students meet their living costs while they are studying. Interest on these loans is linked to inflation - they do not attract the rates charged by banks or other commercial lenders.
3. Supplementary grants - Supplementary grants are available in certain circumstances, for example, if you are disabled or have dependants. These will be through your LA and all of them are "means tested", except those for disabled students. Unlike loans, you do not normally have to repay them.
4. SWTT Hardship fund - The SWTT Hardship fund is available to all trainees where they can demonstrate significant and unexpected change in cirumstances from when they applied to the course.  All awards are made at the discretion of the provider.