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Secondary education

Connect with other parents whose children are starting secondary school on this forum.

Original poster

Almost New University Parent

14 replies

PrincessTippyToes · 03/05/2010 11:34

I just wondered if there are any other "nearly new" 1st Year University Parents out there who have nowhere to ask questions (apart from through the school or the government websites). Is there anyone out there who might be able to help us with some of our "silly" questions? My DS is about to start this Sept. Thanks

OP posts:
ajandjjmum · 03/05/2010 11:40

There are quite a few of us - all fretting on another thread about offers! It has gone quiet now though, so we'll probably all flood over to here!

DS will be starting university in September too.

primarymum · 03/05/2010 12:30

Hopefully my eldest will too ( if he pulls his finger out and actually does some work!) He is SO laid back as to be practically comatose and the thought of opening a book seems to be against his religious principles so he might be looking for a job instead( let's put it this way, if he manages to pass anything it will be a miracle!) My youngest starts Sixth form in September( he's the exact opposite, wants to study Law, needs straight A's and will get them!), so I'm feeling very old and stressed!

hocuspontas · 03/05/2010 12:32

Yes the UCAS thread has quietened down now. We are all busy sorting out finance and accommodation!

Original poster
PrincessTippyToes · 03/05/2010 23:35

Thank goodness - there are some other newbies also pulling their hair out! I'm not alone... My eldest is starting in September (also providing he gets the grades he needs). Still haven't seen him open a book and to make matters worse he chose Uni's with deliberately low UCAS entry points and has an unconditional offer - so virtually no chance of any revision there! He's missed the deadline of 23 April to apply for finance (and be guaranteed a response and funding in place before he starts). Now frantically trying to get the online application together. Amid all this I do have a question.....which is: If he's applying for non-means tested loans do I still have to supply my P60 and financial information or is that only for those applying for the means tested loans? Confused. Any help gratefully received, before I call the Student Loans people. Thank you.

OP posts:
admission · 03/05/2010 23:48

My understanding from grappling with the school finance site, which is a nightmare, is that if you a non-means tested that you not expected to have to supply such information. BUT the site is so confusing and they seem to make the rules up as they go along so I could very easily be wrong.

Based on last year's farce when I supplied information to them 3 times and they could not understand how someone was self-employed and could not have a P60, I would not expect this year to be any better than last year's shambles. They would not accept the information that the inland revenue accepted to work out my tax as being appropriate!

Original poster
PrincessTippyToes · 03/05/2010 23:57

I've heard quite a few horror stories about "our" DCs submitting information only for it to go missing or for the information to be misinterpreted! Why can't these things be simplified. Its almost as though "they" do it on purpose to withold payments.....surely not?

OP posts:
lazymumofteenagesons · 04/05/2010 11:32

You don't need to give any income info if they are applying for non-means tested loans. I'm always amazed anyone has kids who takeon board any of these tasks. I had to initiate loan application and asked about a million times for him to sit down with me to do it. Eventually he did cos you need to set up passwords. After that bit he got bored and said if I didn't need him for any other bits could he go! I do thnk though that it is probably my fault for taking too much control of everything.

ajandjjmum · 04/05/2010 13:11

But they're getting away with everything at the moment, because they're 'revising'!!!
Hope it's going well.

Lilymaid · 04/05/2010 13:22

And can I remind everyone that today is the last day for finalising UCAS choices (unless you are going through UCAS Extra) ... now goes to phone DS to see if he has done this ... aargh!

ilove · 04/05/2010 13:25

Yup, and me! My eldest goes in September too, finance app has been done (unconditional loans and means-tested grant) and all our P60's etc were sent off a couple of weeks ago.

'Tis a scary time!

hocuspontas · 04/05/2010 17:30

LAST DAY???? Must go and check if dd has done it....

Original poster
PrincessTippyToes · 04/05/2010 19:04

I'm glad I asked the questions. DS has submitted his UCAS choices - phew. Now to tackle the Finance forms!

OP posts:
saggarmakersbottomknocker · 04/05/2010 19:11

Student Finance are crap - be warned - my ds still hadn't got his money by the Beginning of December despite me applying in Feb. We had to bank roll him and Student Finance didn't know their arse from their elbow frankly.

Loads of useful info on The student room. The packing list will make you faint but does list some stuff you may not have thought of when the time comes.

Milliways · 05/05/2010 21:00

I found some good threads here last year = what to pack, empty nest support threads etc etc. MN is great for times like this.

DD has finally sorted her 2nd year accommodation. and I can't believe how quickly the time has gone since her A levels.

Good luck in getting the desired results

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