Helpline Frequently Asked Questions

I live outside Scotland, can I use the helpline?

We can generally only provide information related to learning in Scotland. If you normally live in Scotland but have decided to study somewhere else, we may be able to provide some limited information. We are unable to provide information if you are learning in Scotland but your enquiry relates to a student funding body outside of Scotland, like Student Funding England. 

I have a child with additional support needs at school, can I use your helpline?

Our helpline provides support with post-school learning enquiries only, however this can include what the options are after school. Please contact our partners Enquire for enquiries related to school. 

I am disabled and am currently claiming benefits but I want to go to college or university – how will my benefits be affected?

Please see out partner CPAG Scotland’s free factsheets related to claiming benefits as a disabled student. You can also call our helpline to discuss this further as the rules are complex. 

College isn’t going to be suitable for my child when they leave school, what else can they do?

Have a look at our Post School Learning Choices in Scotland guide or read our blog, ‘What comes next?’

I want to raise a case of discrimination against my education provider, can you provide legal advice?

No, we cannot provide any legal advice, assistance or representation. See the ‘Legal’ section on our Useful Links page. We can help you to understand your rights as a disabled learner and also provide a guide to understanding the Equality Act for disabled learners, which you may find helpful.

My child needs one-to-one support in the classroom at college, who funds this?

It can be difficult to get funding for one-to-one in-class support at college. If a young person needs one-to-one support to keep safe, get around and with their personal care needs, then this is generally the responsibility of the local council’s social work department to fund. However, local authorities may have strict eligibility criteria related to who they can fund, based on the level of need. For example, some social work departments will only fund people in ‘critical’ need due to restricted budgets. If a young person requires educational support, for example a BSL interpreter, scribe, mentor or communication support worker then this would be the responsibility of the college to provide. See our Supporting you at college guide for further information.