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16-19 Bursary

The 16-19 Bursary Fund

 

The Government sets aside some money for schools, colleges, training providers and local authorities to allocate to young people who need financial support to stay on in further education or training. This is called the 16-19 Bursary Fund.  It could help you with any education-related costs that may arise during the school year, including essentials like a meal during the day or transport to your school, college or training provider. Or you might need extra help to buy books, clothing or equipment for your course, or pay for educational visits. 

Who can apply?  

To apply for a bursary, you must be at least 16 years old and under 19 years old at the start of the academic year (31st August). You must also be taking part in full-time or part-time further education or training. 

How much will I get? 

There are two types of bursaries: 

Defined vulnerable group bursary – you could receive up to £1,200 if you:

  • are in local authority care or you have recently left local authority care
  • receive Income Support or Universal Credit (a new benefit which will replace Income Support) in the student’s name
  • are disabled and receive both Employment Support Allowance and Disability Living Allowance or Personal Independence Payments (a new benefit which will replace Disability Living Allowance) in the student’s own name

The School conducts a financial needs assessment to confirm actual financial need and the amount of support required. Student do not automatically receive £1,200.

Discretionary bursary
You can apply for a discretionary bursary if you aren’t eligible for a vulnerable bursary, but you need financial help to stay on in further education or training. The school will decide whether you will receive a discretionary bursary, how much you could get, and what it should be used for. Students may be eligible if their families fall into one of the following categories:

  • Entitled to free school meals for the student or a sibling.
  • Receiving Universal Credit
  • Income Support
  • Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance
  • Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
  • Support under Part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999
  • The guaranteed element of Pension Credit
  • Child Tax Credit (provided you’re not also entitled to Working Tax Credit and have an annual gross income of no more than £16,190)

Students applying for a discretionary bursary should indicate on their application forms what they would like to use the bursary funding for. Evidence will be required to support all applications.

What can the bursary fund be used for?

We use the fund to provide students with support to fund: 

  • Transport
  • Books
  • Equipment
  • Field trips and other course-related costs
  • The costs of attending university interviews and open days
  • To continue free school meal provision in the Sixth Form

Full details of The 16-19 Bursary Fund and the Application Form can be found in the Policy:

16-19 Bursary - Policy and Application Form 2022-23 GBS

How do I apply?

Application rounds will be communicated to all students at various points of the academic year. Usually the School will have two rounds of applications across the year, however, we appreciate circumstances do change and we will endeavour to accommodate any requests outside of the application rounds. A decision will then be made by the committee, and you will be informed if you have been successful in your application.

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