Student Finance Information Evening 2026

We were delighted to welcome Becky from the University of Kent to Holcombe Grammar Sixth Form for an optional Student Finance information evening.

The session provided clear, practical guidance for Year 13 students and parents as they navigate the next stage of the university application process.

At this stage:

• Students have submitted their applications via UCAS and are currently receiving - or awaiting - university offers.
• Once all decisions have been received (or once students have the options they are prepared to accept), they must select a Firm and Insurance choice through UCAS.

Firm and Insurance Choices

Students should ensure that their Firm choice reflects their more aspirational offer - typically the university with the higher entry requirements that they are motivated to work towards.

The Insurance choice should act as a realistic safeguard, usually with lower entry requirements than the Firm offer. This provides security in the event that results are slightly below expectations, while still ensuring progression to an appropriate course.

Students must make their Firm and Insurance decisions by the national UCAS deadline or by the individual deadline stated within each offer. If these deadlines are missed, offers will automatically be declined by the system. It is therefore essential that students monitor their UCAS Hub carefully and act promptly.

3rd June – Auto-decline date: If all offers have been returned by 13th May, these offers will be withdrawn. Please also check UCAS offers page for any specific deadlines set by Universities themselves.

Student Finance

• Applications for Student Finance England are expected to open at the end of March 2026.
• Students will require a confirmed first choice when completing their finance application, although this can be amended if circumstances change.

Importantly, many universities have already opened their accommodation application portals. Students do not need to wait for Student Finance England to open before applying for university accommodation - these applications can be submitted now, subject to each institution’s deadlines and processes.

A copy of the PowerPoint shared during the evening has been emailed to parents for reference.

The Sixth Form Team are very happy to answer any questions that students or parents may have. Where queries relate specifically to individual finance calculations or eligibility, we may direct you to Student Finance England, as each application is assessed on a case-by-case basis and guidance can vary depending on personal circumstances.