Policy for the distribution of the 16-19 Bursary Fund 2024-25

What is the 16-19 Bursary Fund?

The fund is made available from the government through its funding body - Education and Skills funding Agency (ESFA) for 16-19 year olds - to provide assistance to students whose access to, or completion of, education is inhibited by financial constraints or barriers.

Who is eligible to apply for 16-19 Bursary Funding?

To qualify a student must be aged 16 and under 19 on the 31st August at the start of the academic year in which they start a programme of study and must satisfy one or more of the following criteria:

  • Students aged at least 16 and under 19 years of age on 31st August 2024 who are in care; are leaving care; are in direct receipt of Income Support or Universal Credit in their own name; or are in receipt of both Employment Support Allowance and Disability Living Allowance or Personal Independence Payments.
  • Students who are economically or socially disadvantaged and facing the most significant barriers to participate in education.

Proof of income

Evidence will be required to support this application and may include taking account of household income as evidenced by receipt of Tax Credits Forms TC602, evidence of Universal Credit payment calculations, evidence of income from self-employment, a P60, or payslips.

How will the school assess applications and allocate 16-19 Bursary funding?

The 16-19 Bursary Fund is a limited fund and the school will prioritise allocation. There will be 3 priority groups, categorised as high, medium and low. Students who are eligible for any level of funding should complete an application form and hand it to the Finance Manager by 31st December 2024 (however late applications will be considered if funding allows). Applications at all levels will be considered by the Finance Manager and the Pastoral Lead for sixth form.

Students who are deemed eligible should be aware that to continue to receive a bursary/funding:

  • There must be no unauthorised absences during the school day
  • Accumulative attendance must not fall below 90%, (only in documented medical circumstances will bursary continue to be considered)
  • They must maintain acceptable levels of behaviour

Students will sign a contract to that effect.

Financial support for 6th Form Students in 2024/25

The following information applies to students aged 16 to 19 on 31st August 2024 taking a full-time further education course in 2024/25

We will be operating three levels of bursary funding: High, Medium and Low priority groups.

High priority group

You could receive this level of funding if you are in care; are leaving care; are in direct receipt of Income Support or Universal Credit in your own name; or are in receipt of both Employment Support Allowance and Disability Living Allowance or Personal Independence Payments.

If you think you are eligible for this bursary, please complete the main application forms and Appendix 1.

Medium priority group

You could receive this level of funding if:

  • You have a gross annual household income of below £20,000 OR
  • You are in receipt of Free School Meals OR
  • Your household is in receipt of other income based means tested benefits.

If you think you are in this category, please complete the main application forms and appendix 2 as you may be eligible for a contribution towards certain specific educational purposes.

Low priority group

You could receive this level of funding if:

  • You have a gross annual household income of between £20,000 and £25,000 OR
  • You have an identifiable financial need and do not fall into high and medium priority groups

If you think you are in this category, please complete the main application forms and appendix 2 as you may be eligible for a contribution towards certain specific educational purposes.

Those in the Low priority group will be considered for funding based on the school’s allocation and subject to available funding after those in the High and Medium priority groups have been awarded.

Payments will be made on an as needed basis after consideration by the Finance Manager and Pastoral Lead for Sixth Form.

Please complete student and parent/carer forms, an appendix 1, 2 or 3 form and return them to the Finance Manager by 31st December 2024.

Click here to download the application form.