Further Financial Assistance – Colchester Institute Foundation Trust (CIFT)

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Are you struggling financially with College or Apprenticeship costs?

There are many things to buy…

• College kit and uniform
• Travel to and from college, placement or workplace
• Exam resits
• Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check
• Essential trips and visits
• Food at college

And many reasons why you might need extra help…

• Low household income
• Change in family or living circumstances
• Parent ill health
• Unexpected extra expenses

Come and talk to us!

We have a generous government Bursary Fund which covers many of these costs for many students.

CIFT provides support to enrolled students and apprentices who might otherwise struggle to stay on their course.

Visit us: First Floor C Block (above Eat Central), Colchester Campus or Student Services in the Student Hub, Braintree Campus

Call us: 01206 712435 Email us: student.finance@colchester.ac.uk

Colchester Institute Foundation Trust (CIFT) is an independent charity which raises funds to support students who due to financial pressures, might otherwise be at risk of not completing their programme of education. This includes students studying Further Education, Higher Education and Apprenticeships.

The principle purpose of CIFT is to benefit Colchester Institute students who are experiencing financial hardship to the extent that they are struggling to participate at College / University and complete or achieve their qualifications.

Whilst the College has access to Government awarded discretionary Learning Support Funds/financial assistance to provide financial support for students on low incomes, who meet pre-defined eligibility criteria, in the current economic climate there are often cases where an individual student needs more financial help than these funds can provide. Additionally, some students who do not meet the eligibility criteria for government-funded support, can still struggle to meet the costs associated with studying on vocational programmes and CIFT can often provide support here too.

In most cases students should first approach the College / University Centre Colchester to see if funded support is available to them after which they can then submit an application to CIFT.

Colchester Institute Foundation Trust awards can only be considered where a student can demonstrate commitment to their chosen course of study and that the impact of the award could mean the difference between them staying on the course or having to withdraw.

Support for Apprentices

As apprentices are classed as being in full time employment, the College is unable to use government funds to support their expenses, this group of students are often the ones most in need of financial assistance as they, and their families, are unable to claim most state benefits. CIFT actively encourage applications from Apprentices.

Make a donation to CIFT

Apply for an award from CIFT

Colchester Institute Responds to Government Withdrawal of Management and Leadership Apprenticeship Funding

“The Government’s decision to defund management and leadership apprenticeship standards from September 2026 represents a significant change for employers and providers across the sector. At Colchester Institute, our commitment remains to support employers and apprentices through a smooth transition, ensuring continuity for existing learners while shaping new, high‑quality pathways for future leadership development. We will work in partnership with our employers to co‑design practical alternatives that continue to strengthen workforce capability and build organisational resilience.” – Ashley Gallagher, Head of Professional Apprenticeships and Skills at Colchester Institute

The Department for Education (DfE) has confirmed that funding for certain management and leadership apprenticeship standards will be withdrawn from 1 September 2026.

The affected standards currently delivered by Colchester Institute include:

Team Leader/Supervisor (Level 3)
Operations/Departmental Manager (Level 5)
Coaching Professional (Level 5)
Chartered Manager Degree Apprenticeship (Level 6)

In addition, the DfE has announced a national cap is being placed on new apprenticeship starts, limiting the number of new enrolments permitted across the sector between now and August 2026.

Please note, existing apprentices are unaffected and will continue their studies as planned.

We recognise how important these programmes are for developing leadership and management capability within organisations. We remain committed to:

Safeguarding the progress of existing apprentices.
Managing remaining start opportunities responsibly and in line with national guidance.
Working collaboratively with employers to design a new, high‑quality alternative curriculum offer that supports continuing leadership and skills development beyond 2026.

A consultation process with employers will launch shortly. This will inform our future leadership and management training provision, including both apprenticeship and non‑apprenticeship options. We welcome input from a range of stakeholders, and should you wish to contribute to shaping the future of our management offer, please reach out to employers@colchester.ac.uk help shape the conversation.

Further national and local updates will be provided here as soon as new guidance becomes available.

Are you struggling financially with College or Apprenticeship costs?

Come and talk to us!

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Colchester Institute Responds to Government Withdrawal of Management and Leadership Apprenticeship Funding