Higher Education Grants

Applying for Higher Education Student Support

All Local Education Authorities (LEAs) are now using a new national database to process applications for higher education (HE) student support The new system is called Student Finance Direct.

Although you can complete a conventional form to apply for HE student support, your application will be processed quicker if you apply online. Click the link to go to Student Finance Direct from the useful websites box to apply online.

Paper application forms are available from the Laycock Street Reception as well as from the Department of Education and Skills website. Click on the link from the useful website box.

We will still process applications from Islington residents, but we will no longer be doing this on our own computer system. LEAs are now totally dependent upon the new national system, which has been developed by the Student Loans Company (SLC).

The correspondence you receive will be generated automatically by the new system and will be printed and dispatched by the SLC in Glasgow. This correspondence will have both the Student Finance Direct logo and the Islington logo.

Because this is a new system, you may experience some problems or delays. Islington will do all that it can to overcome these problems and process your application as quickly as possible. However, we are totally dependent upon the SLC to resolve any difficulties with the new system and your patience and understanding will be greatly appreciated.