RNC Enquiry Line: +44 (0)1432 376621 or email: 
Content
Funding & Application Information
INFORMATION FOR CONNEXIONS PERSONAL ADVISERS ON MAKING A REFERRAL TO RNC
INFORMATION FOR DISABILITY EMPLOYMENT ADVISERS ON MAKING A REFERRAL TO RNC
INFORMATION FOR POTENTIAL STUDENTS
If you are considering studying here at RNC, it is best to contact us as soon as you can in order for us to advise you about the best source of funding and which avenue to go down in order to obtain it. Funding can take time to arrange, so by giving us all plenty of notice we can ensure it is put in place on time for you to begin your study.
Who pays for me to study at RNC?
This is one of those questions we are often asked by potential learners and their families. The good news is that funding bodies exist, that will cover the majority of the costs involved during your stay with us.
Younger Learners (aged 16-25)
Funding from the Learning and Skills Council (or equivalent) will cover your tuition, accommodation and catering expenses. It does not cover travel expenses, although some local authorities will pay this for half terms and holidays until you are 19 years of age. Check with the Special Education Department (Transport) at your Local Authority.
In addition to contacting us, you should speak to the Careers Teacher at your school and also the Personal Adviser at your local Connexions/ Careers Centre.
Adult Learners - Age 25+
Speak to your Disability Employment Adviser (DEA) at your local Jobcentre Plus. Your funding body will pay for your tuition, accommodation and catering. If you are funded through the Jobcentre your funding body will provide travel expenses to help you with the cost of travelling home every fortnight. You may also be entitled to an additional training allowance.
Select this link for FAQs for adults (25+) interested in making an application to the College.
Still unsure what to do next?
We are more than happy to help if you need any advice or have questions. Contact us on 01432 376621 or email us at info@rncb.ac.uk
We look forward to hearing from you!
Further details are available from the following:
http://www.open.gov.uk/index/t_benefits.htm - the Benefits Agency's home page giving contact details for information provided on the internet.
Department of Work and Pensions, contact them via the Benefits Enquiry Line on 0800 88 22 00 for benefit application forms including Attendance Allowance, Disability Living Allowance and Carers Allowance.
For some benefits such as Incapacity Benefit and Income Support (if you are aged under 60) you will need to contact your local Jobcentre Plus office. You can get the telephone number from Yellow Pages or via directory enquiry services.
RNIB Welfare Rights Service offers advice on benefits, grants and other sources of income. Call 0845 7669999 or email helpline@rnib.org.uk
Skill: National Bureau for Students with Disabilities produces a range of information leaflets and publications related to financial support and other matters related to studying. The free helpline 0800 328 5050 is open between 1.30 and 4.30 pm Monday to Friday.
Website: www.Skill.org.uk or Email: info@skill.org
How to apply to RNC
If you are interested in studying at RNC, a visit to the College is highly recommended. We don’t have Open Days for potential learners; we prefer to welcome you on an individual basis in order to dedicate our time to your specific requirements. You can bring along a friend or family member on the day and ask as many questions as you like! We’ll provide you with lunch, and the opportunity to meet staff and learners on course programmes you may be interested in.
Visits can take place throughout the year. Call our Enquiries line on 01432 376621 to arrange your visit.
We will send you home with lots of information and an application form. If you then choose to apply, we can help you with the application process.
Depending on your age, you will either need to speak to:
- Your Careers Teacher, or the Careers/Connexions Personal Adviser at your local Careers Centre (Younger Learners)
- Your Disability Employment Adviser or Job Broker at your local Jobcentre.
As many of our programmes start throughout the year, you don’t always have to wait until September to kick start your training.
On receiving your completed application form to study at RNC, you will be invited for an Assessment. Many people are intimidated by this process but please don’t worry – it’s a very informal and friendly process and there are no right or wrong answers. It’s our way of finding out more about you and you are right for RNC, but also for you to find out more about us and if RNC is the right college for you.
Select this link for FAQs for young people interested in making an application to the College.
INFORMATION FOR CONNEXIONS PERSONAL ADVISERS ON MAKING A REFERRAL TO RNC
Select this link for FAQs for adults interested in making an application to the College.
INFORMATION FOR DISABILITY EMPLOYMENT ADVISERS ON MAKING A REFERRAL TO RNC
The Assessment Process
Assessment takes place over one or two days, where you will meet other people of similar ages also being assessed.
You will have one to one interviews with each member of the assessment team. This is in order for us to build up a picture of you as a person, your needs, and what you want to achieve at the College.
You will also have assessments for literacy, numeracy and, if applicable, Braille. These are not tests. The purpose of these is to determine your level of study and if we need to implement support to help you enhance your existing skills.
Once the whole process is complete, the Assessment team meet to discuss each potential learner. After this meeting, a member of the Assessment and Review team will phone and let you or your parents know the outcome of the meeting and whether you have been offered a place at RNC.
This is followed up with confirmation in writing. Behind the scenes work starts to take place to secure funding for you to study at RNC.
