Applying
How affordability checks work
Income verification, outgoings analysis, open banking data — what lenders actually assess and what to do if you're turned down.
6 min read → Education
School fees & education loans
Cover school uniforms, trips, tuition top-ups or childcare deposits with a Cash Train loan. Spread the cost so education never has to wait.
Apply now →Unregulated lender • Apply online — decision in minutes
What education costs
Typical school and childcare costs
Uniform & equipment
£150–£400
Back-to-school costs for a secondary pupil including PE kit, blazer, equipment and stationery.
School trips
£100–£600
Day trips to overseas expeditions. Often due at short notice with a firm deadline.
Private tuition
£300–£1,500
Per term of weekly sessions. 1-to-1 tuition rates vary widely by subject and location.
Childcare deposit
£500–£1,500
Nursery or childminder registration deposits, often required months before the start date.
Loan options
Match the loan to the cost
Whether you need to cover a single uniform shop or several children's costs across a term, there's a Cash Train tier to fit. All loans have fixed monthly repayments so you know exactly what you owe.
Flex
£500–£2,000
3–12 months
Childcare deposits, extended tuition, multiple children's costs.
Apply now →Plus
£2,000–£5,000
6–24 months
Private nursery deposits, multiple children's back-to-school, boarding school extras.
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The process
How it works
Apply online
Tell us how much you need and what it's for. No credit check at this stage — just an expression of interest.
Fast decision
Once we launch, applications are assessed quickly with a decision in minutes. We check affordability, not just credit score.
Money to your account
Approved funds are transferred directly to your bank account. Pay your school, tuition provider or childminder directly.
Common questions
School fees loan FAQs
Yes — state, private, academy or independent. There are no restrictions on which school or type of education the loan funds.
If you're on qualifying benefits, you may be entitled to a free school uniform grant from your local council. Check your eligibility before borrowing — it's free money you may be leaving on the table.
Yes. If your childcare provider requires a lump-sum deposit, a short-term loan lets you spread that cost rather than pay it upfront.
You can apply for an additional loan. There's no restriction on applying again after your first loan is repaid.
Education costs shouldn’t catch you short.
Apply online and get a fast decision — fixed monthly payments, no hidden fees.
Apply now →Warning: Late repayment can cause you serious money problems. For help, go to moneyhelper.org.uk