00:07 – 02:31 | Welcome and what today covers (John Hague, GHWY)
Description:
John welcomes everyone and explains how the session will run. He introduces Go Higher West Yorkshire and why accurate student finance information matters. He then hands over to Student Loans Company for the main update.

02:31 – 09:38 | Student Loans Company update: key changes for 2026/27 (Sammie Fletcher)
Description:
Sammie explains the main updates for 2026/27 entry. This includes tuition fee loans and maintenance loan rates. She clarifies what students can apply for and how payments are made (for example, tuition fees are paid directly to the provider).

09:38 – 13:23 | Household income and who counts as “independent”
Description:
Sammie explains what “household income” means and which income is included. She outlines common situations that affect assessment (such as new partners in the household). She also explains who may be assessed as an independent student. There is a brief update on postgraduate loans.

13:23 – 18:36 | Disabled Students’ Allowance and foundation year funding
Description:
Sammie covers changes to foundation year funding for some subjects. She then explains Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA): what it is, how to apply, what evidence is needed, and how long it can take. She describes the needs assessment and what happens after it.

18:36 – 29:46 | Grants, repayments, and important application dates
Description:
Sammie summarises grants for students with dependants (such as childcare support). She explains repayment plan 5 in clear terms, including when repayments start and what the repayment threshold means. She shares the student finance application launch date and the recommended “apply by” date. She also highlights trusted resources and warns about fraud messages.

29:46 – 44:34 | Regional trends: late applications and the impact on learners (Lauren Cobb, Leeds Trinity University)
Description:
Lauren shares regional data showing many students apply later than recommended. She explains how late or rushed applications can lead to delays, mistakes, and extra stress. She shares real case studies showing the impact on students’ transition, attendance, accommodation, and wellbeing.

44:34 – 54:47 | Q&A, practical next steps, and resources
Description:
John hosts questions from attendees. Topics include household income pressures, self-employed income checks, alternative student finance, and interest rates. John also signposts helpful resources (including Budget Busters and newsletter sign-up). The session ends with next steps, feedback, and a reminder that slides and the recording will be shared.