New College Durham has welcomed the government’s new financial support package for podiatry students.

From September 2020, all new and continuing podiatry students on pre-registration courses at higher education centres in England will receive a maintenance grant of up to £8,000 each year to help with living costs. The grant, which does not need to be repaid, comes as part of the Government’s initiative to expand the NHS workforce. Students will also be able to continue to access funding for tuition and maintenance loans from the Student Loan Company.

Barbara Chambers, Advanced Curriculum Manager for Podiatry, Social Work and Counselling at New College Durham, said: “This new financial support package recognises the important work that Podiatrists undertake. The support is vital to help students through their studies and will make this incredible career accessible to a wider range of people. I am hoping that anyone interested in a career in podiatry will take advantage of this fantastic new support package.”

New College Durham offers a three year, full time BSc (Hons) Podiatry course accredited by Health and Care Professions Council and The College of Podiatry which is the only one of its kind in the north east. In 2019, 98% of New College Durham podiatry students progressed to employment or further study. The course is still accepting applications for September 2020.