16-19 Bursary Fund

The 16-19 Bursary Fund is money the government has given to students, who need financial help to stay in education. You must be aged over 16 and under 19 at 31 August before the start of the academic year.

There are 2 types of 16 to 19 bursaries:

1. Vulnerable bursary

2. Discretionary bursary

Vulnerable Bursary

If you are one of the groups below, you can apply for a vulnerable bursary:

● in care

● care leaver

● in receipt of Income Support or Universal Credit because you are financially supporting yourself or financially supporting someone who is dependent on you or living with you such as a child or partner

● in receipt Disability Living Allowance or Personal Independence Payments in your own right as well as Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) or Universal Credit in your own right.

Benefits must be in your own name to get a vulnerable bursary.

If you qualify, you are able to claim ESA or Universal Credit in your own right while living in the parental home. However, if you do, your parents will not be able to continue to claim Child Benefit if your application for ESA is successful.

Discretionary Bursary

This bursary can be allocated to students who need support to overcome financial barriers that might prevent them continuing in full time education. This bursary is for students who received Free School Meals* in Year 11 and continue to be eligible for Free School Meals* in the Sixth Form.

Criteria for Payment of Bursaries

The awards will be dependent on good behaviour, attendance at morning registration and no more than 10% unexplained absence from all lessons.

What can the money be spent on?

The bursaries can be used to meet individual needs such as transport, meals, books, equipment, field trips and other course-related costs needed to help a young person stay in education.

Please note you will not receive a Free School Meal Allowance in addition to either bursary grant. For either level, students will be allowed to receive up to 20% of their grant up front at the beginning of the Autumn Term subject to the completion of the 16 -19 Bursary Scheme Application form and student budget plan.