OPFS Survey Results: Single Parents and Further Education (2015)

Last updated: 21/02/2020

Why are so few single parents entering education? Our survey into single parents and further education threw up a few surprises.

Further education and training

Read our information about financial support for single parents can get from a college and from benefits while in further education.

 

 

Higher education

Read our information about higher education help for single parent students from loan, grants and benefits whilst studying.

Childcare problems around studying appear to be practical, not financial, and the financial worries of prospective students were not experienced by those already studying.

These findings all indicate that there is a real need to get information to single parents regarding practical and financial support.

Single parents are not getting the information they need in order to consider education as an option. They need to contact Student Support Services, at colleges and universities, or the Lone Parent Helpline to find out what financial and practical support is available.

- Janice Turner, Student Funding Officer, West Lothian College