Support for part-time study and disabled students: consultation analysis - easy read version

Key points

This report is based on what people told us during the consultation. Here is a summary of the key points.

Available support

People told us part-time and distance learning study is important. It lets people balance learning with:

• work
• caring roles
• managing disabilities or health conditions.

The research showed how all students have different support needs. This can include disabilities or personal support. These could affect how they study and their ability to access support.

People said it could be difficult to access support. Some had positive experiences. But most said there needs to be:

• a simpler system
• clearer information
• better understanding of student’s needs.

People said it is important to make sure that the process for getting support is fair. It needs to understand each student’s needs.

Support for part-time or distance learning

People supported the means-tested approach for financial support. Means testing means asking how much money you have to help decide how much support you can get. People want the limits to be higher.

Some Part-time Higher Education students get support to pay fees from the Part-time Fee Grant. This is available if they are studying at a college or university or from home.

People want more living cost support for part-time and distance learners. Students and organisations think this would reduce financial stress for learners. It will also have better education outcomes.

Support for disabled students

Many students said support was put in place quickly. Some talked about:

• delays in waiting for support to start
• lack of understanding about their needs
• other barriers to access support.

Disabled Students Allowance is available to Higher Education students to help with study costs.

Most students had a good experience of Disabled Students Allowance. Students asked to make the application process better.

Students preferred separate allowances for elements of the Disabled Student Allowance. This was more flexible. Education organisations felt a single allowance was more simple and fair.

Colleges felt financial support for disabled students should continue to be managed by colleges. Some students felt they could manage their own financial support. Others felt both options should be available.

Other support available

People said there should be more wellbeing and mental health support. There should also be accessible technology.