Student Finance England handles, assesses and administers financial support applications for all English-domiciled full and part-time new entrants.

One of the primary objectives of this service is to provide an online application process which is simple, widely available, customer driven, personalised and easily accessible.

Although paper applications are accepted, they are not encouraged. The idea is that over a 3-year period the service will become increasingly interactive and simplified, with links to the higher education application process, meaning that applicants will only need to enter their details once.

Where do I go for information about student finance?

In February 2009 a practitioner website - www.practitioners.studentfinanceengland.co.uk - was launched to provide practitioners with the information required to support their students through the application process.

Students themselves will now be encouraged to make their applications online at www.direct.gov.uk/studentfinance.

What does Student Finance England offer?

The practitioner website provides information on the whole range of student packages available, including specialist finance packages such as bursaries and scholarships, access to learning funds and care leavers’ support.

There is an enhanced student finance calculator where students can check their entitlement to support before they formally apply, plus a step-by-step guide to the online application process.

Practitioners can also register to receive emails whenever a significant update is made to the website and make use of a wide range of resources to help give accurate, up-to-date information to their students. In particular, practitioners can order a comprehensive Student Finance England Information Pack by going to http://practitioners.studentfinanceengland.co.uk. Click on the ‘Practitioner Resources’ tab at the top of the page and then click on the ‘Practitioners’ Pack’ navigation bar on the left.

There is also a practitioner support team on hand to deal with pre-application queries as well as a Customer Support Office for specific post-application enquiries. (The student in question must be present when you call about a specific application).

All customers will now also be able to include income figures from the Prior Tax Year allowing for earlier application.

In addition, the Disabled Students’ Allowances application process has been simplified and the Childcare Grant application process has been reviewed and improved.

What about paper applications?

Although it is clear that paper applications are not being encouraged, there have been changes to formatting, layout and language to try to aid clarity and simplify the process. Sections are now clearly defined and colour coded with information on Supplementary Grants and how to apply for them clearly highlighted.

What if I want to speak to someone locally?

Each region has an experienced financial consultant to help with any specific query which can’t be answered online or via the customer support teams.

The regional consultant for the East Midlands is Lucy Marwood and her email address is lucy_marwood@slc.co.uk.

How is Aimhigher Nottinghamshire involved?

Aimhigher Nottinghamshire is one of the many partners delivering information, advice and guidance on student finance on behalf of Student Finance England. We can provide:

• local information on financial packages and awards available from Nottinghamshire higher education providers. Call Jai Gibson on 0115 848 2757 for a copy of our 'Student Guide to Higher Education Finance' or download a copy here.
  
• free financial workshops. These can be tailored to meet the needs of individual year groups, parents or staff, and form an important part of any higher education awareness-raising programme. They can be delivered on site at a time to suit your school or college. For more information on the finance workshops, click here for schools or here for colleges.