Summary:
Jenny introduces the session and the CPD (Continuing Professional Development) programme run by Go Higher West Yorkshire. She highlights the partnership’s goal to support underrepresented learners through key influencers in education. The session is in collaboration with the Student Loans Company, focusing on student finance for the 2025/26 academic year.
Summary:
Sammie Hutchinson, a Funding Information Services Account Manager from the Student Loans Company (SLC), is introduced. She explains the aim of the session is to provide an annual update on student finance, particularly changes and key information relevant to the 2025/26 academic year.
Summary:
Sammie outlines the confirmed tuition fees for 2025/26:
Full-time: £9,535
Part-time: £7,145
Accelerated courses: £11,440
She reassures attendees that tuition fee applications are straightforward as they don’t require household income details.
Summary:
Detailed breakdown of maintenance loans for different living arrangements (e.g. at home, elsewhere, in London), highlighting how loans are divided into income-assessed and non-assessed parts. She clarifies how household income affects entitlement and provides tips for advising students on what they may receive.
Summary:
Sammie answers key questions, including what “2016 cohort” means (student loans classification) and explains students will still get a non-income assessed amount if their parents don’t provide income details.
Summary:
Explanation of what counts towards household income and how it’s verified through HMRC. Parents can provide “current year income” details if their income has dropped significantly (15%+). Additional income sources such as rental or pensions must also be declared.
Summary:
Clarification on criteria for being classed as an independent student (e.g. care leavers, estrangement, self-supported for 3+ years). The evidence needed varies depending on the category, and Sammie advises caution with case-by-case decisions.
Summary:
From 2025/26, foundation year fees will be capped at £5,760 for classroom-based courses but remain higher for lab or studio-based subjects. A full list of classifications (ECOS codes) is available online.
Summary:
Updated max loan amounts:
Master’s: £12,858
Doctoral: £30,301
DSA: £27,783
She explains the simplification of DSA into one single allowance and outlines how students can apply and what support is available through assessment.
Summary:
A step-by-step breakdown of how DSA applications are made, assessed, and fulfilled, including the £200 student contribution for laptops and the roles of providers like Study Tech. Emphasis on evidence submission and communication between students and assessors.
Summary:
Outlines the updated figures for Parents’ Learning Allowance, Childcare Grant, and Adult Dependant Grant. Emphasises these are income-assessed and have different thresholds from maintenance loans. Useful for learners with additional financial responsibilities.
Summary:
Explains the NHS bursary system for eligible healthcare students, including the £5,000 training grant, additional childcare and shortage course payments. Students must also apply for SFE support to access the NHS fund.
Summary:
LLE launches in 2027, offering modular study options with a total entitlement of £38,140. Students will have online accounts to manage this. Maintenance loans and repayment details are still being finalised but will follow Plan 5 repayment rules.
Summary:
Plan 5 introduces repayment at £25,000 salary threshold (subject to increase from 2027). Repayment starts the April after a student leaves their course. Debt is written off after 40 years.
Summary:
SLC has created short, accessible YouTube videos for students and families, covering application changes, uploading evidence, and key FAQs. Students should apply by 16 May 2025 to ensure funding arrives on time.
Summary:
Sammie demonstrates the SLC practitioner website. It includes:
Fact sheets (e.g. DSA, care leavers, refugees)
Updated guidance documents
Application processing times
Encourages professionals to check for updates regularly.
Summary:
Sammie explains that alternative (Sharia-compliant) finance is not yet available and won’t launch with LLE, though it remains on the government’s long-term agenda.
Summary:
Fostered children: household income is based on legal guardians.
LLE will replace the current student loan system gradually.
Medical course students get reduced loans in Year 5, supplemented by NHS – more resources to be confirmed.
Household income thresholds are set by the Department for Education, not SLC.
Summary:
Jenny showcases GHWY’s supporting materials:
Videos featuring student stories
An interactive budgeting game
Tools to build financial confidence in learners
These help students understand how to manage their money and prepare for higher education.
Summary:
Participants are encouraged to follow Go Higher West Yorkshire on LinkedIn and check the website for CPD opportunities and student-facing content. Attendees thank Sammie for a clear and helpful session.