Basildon Council has launched a new scheme to support young people in the borough in college, amid shocking statistics showing that education levels in the area are way behind national standards.

The new scheme, funded by £130,000 from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund will give eligible students aged 16 to 19 from families receiving Universal Credit, a one-off £360 payment.

The bursary is designed to cover crucial costs like tuition, transport, and study materials – the very expenses that are forcing many students to abandon their education.

Up to 360 students will receive funding, with all payments made by March 31, 2025.

Cllr Gavin Callaghan, Leader of Basildon Council, said: "Basildon borough has almost unrivalled potential but only if our young people have the skills to step into the jobs emerging here. The last Labour Government tried to solve this problem with the Education Maintenance Allowance and that scheme worked but was cruelly cancelled by the Conservative government in 2010.

"Financial pressures, especially among households on Universal Credit, are driving students away from education.

"Struggling to pay for travel, meals, and study supplies, many young people feel forced to drop out of college and head into low-paying jobs just to make ends meet.

"For too many families, the cost-of-living crisis is making college attendance a luxury they can't afford. We are going to turn that trend around by helping students stay in school – a move that could transform not only their futures but the future of Basildon itself."

 Applications will open shortly with detail on application and eligibility due to be published on Basildon Council's website next week.

A dedicated outreach plan will target students, parents, schools, and community groups to make sure every eligible young person knows this support is available.