Alternative sources of funding
The following organisations may be able to provide advice on funding, or to provide actual financial assistance, to students attending courses of higher (and, in some cases, further) education. You should note, however, that, as a general rule, they will not consider an application unless the applicant can demonstrate that they have already exhausted all traditional avenues - including their local authority - of support
The Educational Grants Advisory Service (EGAS)
Family Welfare Association
501-505 Kingsland Road
Dalston
London
E8 4AU
Telephone: 020 7249 6636
Website: www.egas-online.org
EGAS provides advice on how, and to whom, applicants should apply for funding.
All Saints Educational Trust
St Katherine Cree Church
86 Leadenhall Street
London
EC3A 3DH
Telephone: 020 7283 4485
Website: www.aset.org.uk
All Saints Educational Trust may provide financial assistance "to teachers, intending teachers and students in Religious Studies, Home Economics and related areas".
The Refugee Council
Simpson House
6 Cherry Orchard Road
Croydon
CR0 6BA
Telephone: 020 8603 0880
Website:www.refugeecouncil.org.uk
The Refugee Council advises refugees and asylum-seekers regarding eligibility for funding, English-as-a-second-language (ESOL) courses, how overseas qualifications (including medical degrees) can be used in the UK, and many other matters.
Richmond Parish Lands Charity
The Vestry House
21 Paradise Road
Richmond
Surrey
TW9 1SA
Telephone: 020 8948 5701
Website: www.rplc.org.uk
Richmond Parish Lands Charity may provide financial help to further and higher education students who live on the 'Surrey' side - in Ham, Petersham, Richmond, Kew, Mortlake and Sheen - of the River Thames within the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames.
Other charities and trusts
This London Metropolitan University web page has some useful information and trusts which may be able to help individual students.
Career development loans
You can obtain an information pack about these loans from your local Jobcentre or by telephoning: 0800 585 505 or from visiting the website: www.lifelonglearning.co.uk.