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Support for 16-18 Students

At City College Plymouth, we’re committed to making education accessible for students aged 16-18. Most courses are fully funded, so you can focus on your studies without worrying about fees.

In addition to course funding, we offer a range of support to help you succeed, including free meals on study days, travel assistance, and help with course-related costs. For those aged 16-18 and caring for someone at home, we also provide extra financial support in the form of a grant.

Not sure of your options? Our Funding Office is available to assist you with everything you need.

Support Available

Household income under £40,000 
  • Free College meal on study days on campus.
  • Travel assistance.*
  • Support with compulsory course-related costs – depending on the course.**

*Bus pass available for students living more than three miles from the campus OR contribution payments towards train costs for areas not serviced by buses

**Proof of purchase is required for payments to be released

Care to Learn (Childcare)

  • Childcare support on study days
  • Paid directly to your childcare provider

Applications are no longer available via the GOV.uk website. Instead, all applications will now be processed through City College Plymouth’s Student Learning Fund. Please note there are no eligibility criteria for Care to Learn.

To support your application, you will need to provide:

  • your child’s birth certificate
  • proof of Child Benefit (must be in the student’s name).

Attendance is monitored regularly. If your attendance falls below 80%, your payments will be stopped, and you will be responsible for covering your own childcare costs.

Breakfast Club

  • Every student can access a free breakfast on College days.
  • Available from the Refectory between 7.30am – 11.00am.
  • Choose from hot breakfast baps/wraps and a healthy breakfast bar.
  • Hot/cold drinks available.
  • Gluten free/vegan options available upon request.

Course Equipment Cost

Proof of purchase for any equipment and confirmation of professional fees paid must be received by the student funding department to release your payments. Please ensure your student ID number is in the subject line to ensure your receipt is registered and processed correctly.

Please email your receipts to studentlearningfund@cityplym.ac.uk.

Are you aged 16-18 and a carer for someone?

You could be eligible for the carer grant if you are currently caring for someone at home. This support is paid weekly – it is a grant and therefore does not need paying back.*

*Eligibility criteria applies.

Please contact studentlearningfund@cityplym.ac.uk for more information.

Need additional help? Contact the Student Funding team on 01752 305110 or email studentlearningfund@cityplym.ac.uk