Post 16 Bursary

The Government has set 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 the 16-19 Bursary Fund, and it is designed to help support those young people who face the greatest barriers to continuing in education or training post-16 and can be used to pay for things such as:  

  • Educational visits  
  • Books and other equipment/materials for your course  
  • Uniform items  
  • Transport and lunch on days you study  
  • Open Days at universities or apprenticeship placements  

Further guidance about the 16-19 Bursary can be found on the government website: 16 to 19 Bursary Fund guide: 2024 to 2025 academic year – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)  

There are two types of 16 to 19 bursary:  

Vulnerable student bursary  

You could get up to £1,200 if at least one of the following applies:  

  • You’re in or have recently left local authority care  
  • You get Income Support or Universal Credit in your name  
  • You get Disability Living Allowance (DLA) in your name and either Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) or Universal Credit  
  • You get Personal Independence Payment (PIP) in your name and either ESA or Universal Credit  

Discretionary bursary  

You can apply for a discretionary bursary if you are not eligible for a vulnerable bursary and you need financial help to stay on in further education or training. The discretionary bursary is allocated to students who need support to overcome financial barriers that might prevent them continuing in full time education.  

The following criteria will qualify a family as a low-income family:  

  • The household is in receipt of Child Tax Credit/Working Tax Credit with an annual income of less than £20,817  
  • Income Support  
  • Jobseekers Allowance (Income Based)  
  • Pension Guarantee Credit equivalent to/less than Jobseekers Allowance (Income Based).  
  • Income Related Employment and Support Allowance  
  • Universal Credit with an annual income of less than £7400  

Who Can Apply?  

To apply for a bursary, students must be at least 16 years old and under 19 years old at the start of the academic year. They must also be taking part in full-time or part-time further education or training.  

Evidence will need to be provided of household income in order for application to be considered. Payments for all bursaries will be dependent on meeting agreed standards of academic progress, learning, behaviour and good attendance. This will be assessed termly.