in education. This is designed to cover costs such as transport, meals, books or course-related equipment.
Both types of bursary are administered through the education or training provider. Your child can apply as soon as they know where they will be studying or training.
This scheme applies to students in England – different schemes apply in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.
Additional financial help is available to certain groups, for example:
• If you are on certain benefits your child may be eligible for free meals.
• The Care to Learn scheme provides help with childcare costs for young parents in education.
• Dance and Drama Awards help children from lower income families to cover the costs of attending one of 19 private dance and drama schools.
FIND OUT MORE ABOUT BURSARIES AND SCHOLARSHIPS GOV. UK www. gov. uk / education / funding-and-financefor-students
YOUR FAMILY FINANCES
You will still be able to claim Child Benefit and, if you are entitled to it, Child Tax Credit, for your child if they are under 20, living at home and in approved education or training. For full eligibility details visit www. gov. uk / childcareparenting / financial-help-if-you-have-children
GCSE REVISION AND EXAMS
The build-up to GCSE exams at the end of Year 11 can be intense and stressful for your child – and for the rest of the family! The best thing you can do is encourage your child to plan carefully and start their revision as early as possible so that they feel more in control.
This section offers some tips and guidance on how to support your child and help them do the best they can. There is plenty of information on the internet too – for young people and for parents or carers – so go online to find out more.
TYPES OF GCSE ASSESSMENT
Under the new GCSE system, most subjects are assessed by exam. A few subjects, such as art, dance and drama, may use‘ controlled assessments’ – where students do assignments in class under supervision. Assessed coursework and exams partway through the course are being phased out.
STUDY LEAVE
The amount of study leave your child has will depend on their school. Up until a few years ago it was common for study leave to start a few weeks before GCSE exams began. However, many schools have reduced the amount of study leave they offer, as requiring children to go to school for lessons and revision sessions has been shown to improve GCSE results. Typically, study leave will begin after the May half term, so your child may already have done some exams before study leave begins.
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