A TALENTED student from Par with dreams of being a scientist in cancer research has found herself “locked out” of the university system due to a lack of funding for her disability transport to Plymouth.

Amy Yeoman’s MP, Noah Law (Labour, St Austell and Newquay) is supporting her cause, saying: “Disabled students should not be prevented from taking up the opportunities they have worked so hard to earn because of gaps in support.”

Former Truro College student Amy achieved three distinction stars – the highest mark possible - in August in her BTEC level 3 national extended diploma in applied science, with an emphasis on biomedical science.

She hoped to embark upon a a five-year integrated MSci Master's degree at Plymouth University from September 21, with the ultimate aim of gaining a PhD and pursuing a career in cancer research.

But Amy is a full-time powerchair user due to Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS), and has complex physical needs including non-epileptic seizures. Plans for the Disabled Students' Allowance (DSA) to fund a taxi between Plymouth and her home in Par were overturned by Student Finance England (SFE) due to Amy already receiving funding for a Motability vehicle used by the family.

Since the Voice first covered her story in August, Amy’s mother Emma said the situation had “escalated dramatically” and that the family had “definitive proof of systemic failure”.

An official notice from SFE confirmed that an independent review into the funding refusal would take in excess of 20 weeks. “Amy's course starts on September 21; she cannot wait five months while stranded at home,” Emma told The Voice.

In addition, Emma claims using Amy’s Motability vehicle as university transport would force them to break the conditions of their contract.

“Her daily 144-mile commute totals 86,400 miles across her studies,” she explained. “This completely eclipses our active Motability contract limit of 60,000 miles, and severely violates the new scheme limits of 10,000 miles per annum. The math makes SFE's decision contractually impossible.”

An official notification on Friday confirmed SFE would bypass standard delays to arrange an “interim” travel mileage funding stream.

“This means Amy won’t be left stranded on day one,” said Emma. “It means we have to get someone to drive her there, but it is acknowledging that she does indeed need someone to drive her.”

In response to calls that Amy could miss the beginning of her course, on Thursday university staff directed her towards the University's Digital Learning Environment (DLE) for module materials, lecture slides and recordings.

“Their solution to a disabled student being stranded by a government delay is telling her to stay at home and watch videos online,” said Emma. “They are effectively trying to bar her from entering the actual science labs.

“Amy achieved three distinction stars and wants to be a cancer research scientist, yet the state is completely locking her out. It is utterly bonkers and so frustrating that the system is so broken. Amy just wants to learn and have the same opportunities as everybody else, but the rules are completely holding her back.”

MP Noah Law said his team was in contact with Cornwall Council, the Student Loans Company and Plymouth University to explore what support may be available and press for a resolution.

“I am concerned by Amy's situation and the barriers she is facing in accessing higher education due to a lack of suitable transport provision,” he said. “I will continue working with all those involved in the hopes of securing a fair outcome for Amy and her family.”

A spokesperson for the University of Plymouth said: “We’re doing everything we can to help Amy join our community and begin her studies with us, while she awaits the outcome of appeals to the relevant funding agencies.

“While we’re unable to help with the costs of transport, currently, we are making sure that Amy has access to all of our online induction materials, recorded lectures, a personal tutor and our student services team to support the start of her learning journey with us.”

SFE has been contacted for comment.