What is the 16-19 Bursary Fund?
The fund is made available from the government through its funding body – Education Funding Agency (EFA) for 16–18 year olds – to provide assistance to students whose access to, or completion of, education is inhibited by financial constraints or barriers. Schools, colleges and training providers will be responsible for awarding bursaries to students.
It is intended that the Bursary will help students meet the costs of attending their study, e.g., meals at school, transport, books, equipment, field trips and costs of attending university interviews and open days.
Who is eligible for 16-19 Bursary Funding?
Students following government (EFA) funded full time or part-time courses, who are 16 years and over and satisfy the following criteria:
Students who are economically or socially disadvantaged and at risk of not taking up or continuing in their education.
Who is not eligible for 16-19 Bursary Funding?
- Students on waged apprenticeships
- Students under 16 years of age or over 19 years of age on the 31st August
- Students who do not meet the residency qualifications
How does 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. Students need to apply by the October each year with supporting documentation. The Remissions Panel will consider new applications in January and May. You must notify the school of any change in circumstances that might affect the continuation of the grant.
In the event of an emergency, you should talk to the Head of 6th Form as grants may be awarded in extreme cases outside of the published Panel meetings.
Eligibility
- 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 Guarantee element of State Pension Credit
- Child Tax Credit, provided you are not entitled to Working Tax Credit, and have an annual income (as assessed by HM Revenue & Customs) that does not exceed £16,190.
- Working Tax Credit ‘run-on’ – the payment you may receive for a further four weeks after you stop qualifying for Working Tax Credit.
- Universal Credit
Students who fall into one of the following categories:
- Have a gross annual household income of below £16,190 and are eligible for Free School Meals.
- Parents in receipt of Universal Credit.
- In receipt of personal independence payments.
- Any exceptional circumstances, e.g., where a student is providing care to a sick or disabled relative.
Students will be eligible for funding (amount dependant on the number of eligible applications) to contribute towards the cost of transport, essential course equipment, trips, uniforms, materials, etc.)
Payments will be made in the last week of term. There will be six payments in the academic year. These will be dependent on meeting the agreed attendance, achievement and conduct criteria. The first payment will normally be made during the last week of October.
The School reserves the right to also make one off payments to meet particular needs.
If you think you may be eligible for a bursary then it is wise to ensure that you have opened your own bank account as payments are made directly to students.
Your school will consider eligibility for Free School Meals when considering applications for funding.
For advice please speak to Mr Cheeseman, to your tutor or go to www.directgov.uk/16-19bursary
Apply by October to ensure that, if you are eligible, you are able to claim the maximum amount that could be available to you.