“You are telling me that if I had not divorced my abusive ex-husband I would be eligible for funding, but because I stood up for myself and my children and left him, I am now being penalised?”
Admissions staff have to let applicants down all the time. It’s never pleasant. But when you hear statements like this it’s so frustrating.
This applicant had been in England several years and is settled here. Her children were born here. She did not qualify for home fee status and therefore was not eligible for funding as she did not meet any of the criteria set out in the fee regulations. She explained to me she had previously been married to a UK national, had retained her rights of residence post-divorce, and was on the 10-year parent route to settled status. I explained that she unfortunately did not qualify in her own right but if they had still been married she would have been eligible.
Another applicant assumed they would be eligible through their partner in line with their visa. The admissions officer explained that as they were not married, the applicant would not qualify. “If you were to marry before 1 September, you would qualify,” I heard her say. There was silence as they listened to the caller. “Oh, I see,” she said after a long moment. “I’m so sorry. I’m afraid the rules are very specific.” Another pause. “Okay, thank you, good bye.”
