The United Colleges Group has announced that all students aged 16-18 now have access to the free loan of a laptop for the duration of their studies to assist them with learning from home.

Students at both College of North West London and City of Westminster College are now able to apply to the scheme, which has been delivered in partnership with the group’s trusted supplier System Active.

A total of 4000 laptops are due to be given out through the scheme which is now open for applications.

Additionally, adult learners who are entitled to a bursary are now able to purchase a computer at a discounted price.

Given that their bursary is, in most cases, likely to cover the cost of the laptop, most students will, in practice, receive one without having to pay out of their own pockets.

Adult learners who do not receive bursary support are now also able to purchase the laptops at the discounted price of £240 plus VAT (RRP £350).

All students interested in taking advantage of the scheme are encouraged to contact their college to find out more, as take up is expected to increase rapidly.

The United Colleges Group understands the extra pressure that COVID-19 restrictions are currently having on its students and is committed to doing everything it can to enable its student community to continue learning and to achieve success.

Stephen Davis, Group Principal of the United Colleges Group, said:

“COVID-19 has put hitherto unknown pressures on our students and I am extremely proud of all of them for the determination and resilience that they have shown throughout.

“It is in this spirit that we are delighted, through our excellent relationship with System Active, to make 4000 loanable laptops available to our students in order to make learning from home as affordable and hassle-free as possible for them.

“I would encourage all of our students to think about their IT needs, how their college can help them with them, and to consider getting in touch if they feel they could benefit from receiving a laptop.”