Education Grants

Education grants are payments that help with the cost of learning — from school uniforms and childcare to college courses and university study — and, unlike student loans, they usually do not have to be repaid. This guide explains the main education grants available to UK families and students, who qualifies and how to apply.

Grants for school-age children

Families on lower incomes can access several forms of support during the school years:

• Free school meals for eligible children, which also unlocks extra funding for their school.
• The Pupil Premium, paid to schools to support disadvantaged pupils’ learning.
• School clothing grants, offered by many local councils and the devolved nations to help with the cost of uniforms and PE kit.
• Help with travel to school where a child lives beyond the statutory walking distance.

Availability and amounts vary by council and nation, so check your local authority’s website. Budgeting for these recurring costs is easier with a plan — see our budgeting tips for practical help.

Support for college and 16 to 19 learners

Students aged 16 to 19 in further education may qualify for the 16 to 19 Bursary Fund, which helps with the cost of transport, books, equipment and trips. There are two parts: a guaranteed bursary for students in defined vulnerable groups, such as care leavers, and a discretionary bursary that colleges award based on need. Apply through your college or sixth form, which manages the fund and sets its own criteria.

University grants and bursaries

Most higher-education living costs are met through student loans, but genuine grants and bursaries also exist and do not need to be repaid. These include maintenance grants in some parts of the UK, disabled students’ allowances, childcare and parents’ learning allowances, and hardship or access-to-learning funds run by individual universities. Many universities and charitable trusts also offer subject-specific scholarships, so check with your student support team and search reputable scholarship databases before term begins.

Help with childcare and early years

If you are studying or working, support with childcare can make a real difference. Depending on where you live and your circumstances, this may include funded early-years hours for two, three and four-year-olds, Tax-Free Childcare, and childcare elements within Universal Credit. Combining the right schemes can significantly reduce what you pay, so it is worth checking each one carefully.

How to apply and avoid scams

Always apply through official sources — GOV.UK, your local council, your college or university, or the relevant student finance body for your nation. Have proof of income, benefits and identity ready, and apply early, as some funds are limited and close once fully allocated. You should never pay a fee to apply for a genuine grant; anyone charging for “guaranteed” funding is best avoided. For more schemes across other areas of household support, browse our grants and funding section.