Supporting low income learners to access, engage and succeed

Natalie Ashworth – Head of performance & improvement

Lancaster and Morecambe College serve a community where many learners face ongoing financial challenges. Several local areas experience high levels of deprivation, and for many students and their families the cost of transport, food, and everyday essentials can make education feel out of reach. These pressures can affect attendance, engagement and confidence, and for some learners simply getting to college or concentrating in lessons is a real challenge.

To tackle this, the college has put in place a coordinated package of practical support designed to remove financial barriers and help learners focus on their studies. This includes free transport for learners living in Cumbria, North Yorkshire, rural North Lancashire, or more than five miles away on a recognised bus route, regardless of income. All learners also have access to a free daily breakfast, helping them start the day ready to learn.

Automatic allocation of free school meals removes the need to apply, reducing stigma. Catering students prepare meals that are sold at cost price, providing affordable, nutritious food while supporting vocational learning and required assessments. The college’s ‘Freebay’ shop offers toiletries, essential items and pre loved clothing, helping learners feel confident and supported without drawing attention to their circumstances whilst also being sustainable by moving them away from ‘fast fashion’.

We have partnered with local trusts and seek external funding to further support learners by removing financial barriers, examples include enabling learners to access outdoor education activities, providing kit and equipment and travel to take part in national sporting competitions – the cost of which was prohibitive for most of the students. When we bid for funding for international work placements we factor in the cost of passports and insurance, making the trips fully inclusive. In recent years we have taken learners to New York, Mexico, British Columbia, Italy, Spain, Slovakia and South Africa and for many of the learners it was their first time out of the country.

The college has also expanded access to free and funded courses, allowing learners to gain new skills, retrain or return to education without worrying about fees. To reach those who may not initially engage with college, Lancaster and Morecambe works closely with local community groups, including the Poverty Truth Commission, to deliver learning through The Link centre. This outreach work brings education into the heart of the most disadvantaged communities and provides a trusted stepping stone into further learning at college.

In the 25-26 academic year, following learner voice activity, we have supported learners develop their own financial literacy by implementing a Level 1 Award in Managing Own Finances qualification into the tutorial programme. The resources for this were co-created with Citizens Advice who also came in to train the tutors. The course focuses on practical skills such as budgeting, understanding bills and managing money using real-life, relatable content. Feedback from staff, learners and the Awarding Organisation has been extremely positive, with some learners choosing to share the resources with their families at home.

Together, these actions are making a real difference and easing cost-of-living pressures. By responding to local needs in a practical, inclusive way, the college is helping low income learners access education, stay engaged and move forward with confidence.