The 16-19 Bursary fund was introduced by the Government in order to support young people aged 16-19 in full time education who may face financial difficulties in participation, such as the costs of transport, books and equipment.
The School is been allocated a fixed amount of money to administer as the 16-19 Bursary Fund for each academic year.
There are three types of 16-19 bursaries:
Vulnerable Bursary of up to £1200 a year for young people in the following defined vulnerable groups:
- Students in care
- Students who are care leavers
- Students in receipt of income support or universal credit in their own right
- Students in receipt of Disability Living Allowance or Personal Independence Payments as well as Employment and Support Allowance or Universal Credit in their own right.
Discretionary Bursary which can be made to students who face financial barriers to participation in education. Requests for assistance are individually assessed and awarded by the school.
- Available to students in receipt of Free School Meals and still have entitlement and/or
- Low income families – total household income less than £32,000
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible to receive a 16-19 bursary in the academic year 2025-2026, applicants must;
- Be aged over 16 and under 19 as at 31 August 2025
- Satisfy the government’s residency criteria
Assessment Criteria and Payments
Each discretionary bursary application is assessed by senior members of staff. Consideration is given to all circumstances with regard to the amounts requested and payments are based on assisting with the actual costs involved. Please bear in mind the School is allocated a set sum of money for the fund each academic year and disbursements have to be managed equitably.
Any reimbursements for expenses which meet the criteria will be made by Bank transfer to the students Bank account half termly in arrears.
Conditions to be met by the students
Receipt of a bursary is conditional on the student meeting the following standards;
- Continuation with studies until the end of the academic year
- Adherence to the Sixth Form Agreement regarding attendance (minimum 96%), behaviour and deadlines. This document is signed by all students as they are enrolled in Year 12
These conditions will be reviewed half-termly and failure to meet the agreed standards could result in a reduction or termination of financial support.
Applications
Students in the defined vulnerable groups will need to provide appropriate written evidence of their circumstances when completing the application.
Students who wish to apply for a discretionary bursary will need to complete the online application form. Examples of costs where participation help may be provided are:
- Travel costs to and from school
- Books and Equipment
- Sixth Form attire
- Field Trips and other course related costs
- Costs of attending university interviews and open days
- Travel costs for work experience
- Lunch from School’s Eatery (if not already Free School Meals)
- Exam Fees if applicable
As part of the application process, documentation will be required to provide evidence of financial circumstances. Receipts will be required as evidence of expenditure where appropriate. Application information and supporting evidence will be treated confidentially.
Any significant change in financial circumstances will be considered at any time during the school year, following written notification of change.
To apply, click here to complete your online application: 16-19 Bursary Application Form
Other Useful Information
Click here for our Bursary Policy: Policies
For more information regarding bursaries go to: gov.uk/1619-bursary-fund