Becoming a student

Whether you are 16 or 70 there is lots to think about before you continue your education or return to learning. You need to find the right course, get clear on application processes and it's handy to know where you can get financial help. Read on and you will discover lots of practical support for anything from transport to technology.

Courses and clearing

• Download Finding a course (Word 113 KB) - start exploring your options
• Adult learning section - for older learners looking to retrain or continue studies
• Clearing guide - make the process work for you
• Melanie's story: How clearing worked for me

Money

• Download Financial assistance for blind and partially sighted students (Word 134 KB) - get the facts you need
• Download Charities with grants for blind and partially sighted students (Word 136 KB)
• Download Trust applications - dos and dont's (Word 115 KB)

Contacts and services

• Download Useful contacts and services (Word 163 KB)
• Download Learning English in the UK (Word 108 KB)

Rights and discrimination

If you're blind and partially sighted, you have rights within post 16 education under the DDA which will help to protect you against discrimination.

Stories from students

Becky's tips for becoming an independent student
Katie's story - making the move from school to university.