How much money will you need to live on?
It is vital that you start to plan your spending at an early stage.
Successful money management is a valuable transferable skill. Finding a balance between academic and social commitments and paid work is a key factor in attaining financial independence. There are lots of links to advice and guidance in the pages below aimed at helping you manage your finances.
EMAs
EMAs, (Educational Maintenance Allowances) mean that you could receive between £10-£30 a week if you carry on into further education after your GCSEs. You can also be rewarded for your hard work with extra bonus payments of £100!
These payments depend on your household income.
For more information and an application pack have a look at the DirectGov EMA page.
Benefits
Some students who stay on in education after they are 16 years old may be able to prescriptions, and dental and eye care at a reduced cost, or for free. Talk to thosewho provide your medical care at your next appointment. You may also be able to claim some state benefits.
If you stay on in education after you are 16, your family will continue to receive child benefit until you are 19 years of age.
For more information contact Jobcentre Plus on 0800 0 556688 or go to http://www.jobcentreplus.gov.uk/
Higher Education Financial Support
It's a good idea to keep a record of your spending, so you can see exactly where your money is going.
If your college has a student union you could apply for an NUS card that will give you access to lot of discounts.
You may be able to get help from Learner Support Funds, which you can access whilst receivng the EMA. These funds help with buying books, equipment or other learning-related costs if you’re studying at a college or school sixth form. Talk to your school or college tutor to see if you're elligible.
As many students do, you may want to think about part time work. Do be wary of working too many hours- it's important to get a good balance between you course requiements and the demands of the job.
Any student funding you receive will probably be paid into your bank account, so you may need to set one up. There are lots of student bank account deals available so shop around the high street before you make any decisions.
- The Student Finance England service will open for returning students on 14 February, with a deadline for submitting applications of 30 June.
- The Student Finance England service will open for new full-time students on 16 March, with a deadline for submitting applications of 31 May.
- You should apply as early as possible once the system is open so that you can be sure to get all the money you are entitled to at the start of term. The deadlines are designed to encourage this. You can still apply after the deadlines and Student Finance England will process your applications as quickly as possible.
For more advice on how to manage your money search the Student Money website
For more information on student finance click here 
We are pleased to announce the launch of the Student Finance England service for academic year 2011/2012 on 14 February 2011. From this date, all students applying for full-time courses in higher education can apply for student finance online.
Disability Support
Skill, the National Bureau for Students with Disabilities, are a national charity promoting opportunities for young people and adults with any kind of impairment in post-16 education, training and employment. If you have a disability and need information or advice contact them at http://www.skill.org.uk/.
Do you have children?
Care to Learn Grants are available to young parents. If you have a child and are between 16 - 20 and you can get up to £160 per week to help you pay for childcare costs while you are studying. Click here to fnd out more.
Most colleges offer crèche facilities, but you can also contact the Family Information Service helpline number 01432 261681 and they will provide you with details on child care provision in your area.
Dance and Drama
Dance and Drama Awards are national scholarships for the most talented dance and drama students. They are available at some of England's leading private performing arts institutions. The awards are offered to the students who demonstrate the most potential to succeed in the profession. The award will pay for the majority of your tuition fees, but you'll also be expected to make a contribution. You could also get extra money to help with your living costs.
Call 0845 6022260 or click here for more information.
Over the age of 19?
If you are over 19 there are a number of financial initiatives that you may be elligible for:
Adult Learning Grants
If you are studying your first full level 2 or 3 qualification and are a full time student over the age of 19, you can get up to £30 a week. Call 0800 100900 or click here for more information.
Career Development Loans
A Career Development Loan is similar to a personal bank loan and can be used to help to cover fees, course & living costs. You can delay repayment until after you have finished your training. The loan can be used for courses of work related learning for up to 2 years. Call 0800 585505
Residential Support Scheme
If you are unable to study the course you want locally do not worry. You can get help towards accommodation and travel costs if the course you want to study is not available within reasonable daily travelling distance from your home.
Call 0161 2347021