16-19 Bursary Fund 2023-24 Information for Parents & Carers
What is the 16-19 Bursary Fund
The 16-19 Bursary Fund has been allocated by the Education Funding Agency (EFA), the funding agency for 16-19 education and training. The School is committed to ensuring the Fund is used to support financially disadvantaged young people taking up or continuing in their education or training post-16 and achieving their learning aim(s).
The named contact at the School for all 16-19 Bursary support/enquiries is Mrs Best, Sixth Form Administrator.
What is it for?
The 16-19 Bursary is a limited fund made available for supporting eligible young people with the costs of transport, food, books, educational visits or other course materials or equipment essential to successfully completing their programme of study.
Who is it for?
The 16-19 Bursary is targeted towards those young people considered most in need of financial support. The Government has identified a priority group of young people who will be eligible for a Vulnerable Student Bursary or Guaranteed Bursary.
The School has received funding which is available for other young people in need of financial support and the School has set eligibility criteria to ensure this fund goes to those who are seen to need it most. Any young person who meets these eligibility criteria can apply for a Discretionary Bursary: Tier 1 or Tier 2. In addition, students who feel that a bursary would benefit their education can apply.
What are the eligibility criteria?
Young people can apply for a Bursary if they are aged 16, 17 or 18 on 31st August 2023, meet the national residency requirements and at least one of the criteria listed below.
They can apply for a Guaranteed Student Bursary if they are:
- in or recently left local authority care
- receive Income Support or Universal Credit because they are financially supporting themselves
- receive Disability Living Allowance (DLA) in their name and either Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) OR Universal Credit
- receive a Personal Independence Payment (PIP) in their name and either ESA OR Universal Credit
Or they can apply for a Discretionary Bursary Tier 1 if either:
- your gross annual household income does not exceed £12 000
- you may also receive one or more of the following:
- Universal Credit
- Income-Based Jobseekers Allowance
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
- Guaranteed element of State Pension Credit
- Council Tax Benefits
- Other income-related benefits
Or they can apply for a Discretionary Bursary Tier 2 if either:
- your gross annual household income is between: £12 000 – £20 000
- you may also receive one or more of the following:
- Universal Credit
- Income-Based Jobseekers Allowance
- Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
- Guaranteed element of State Pension Credit
- Council Tax Benefits
- Other income-related benefits
How and when do they apply?
To apply, they must complete the 16-19 Bursary Fund Application Form and submit this to Mrs Best with the correct supporting evidence by 12 October 2023. You can apply for a Bursary at any point in the year but the authorising Panel will only plan to meet on a monthly basis.
How much is the Bursary?
The Guaranteed Student Bursary is £1200. Students awarded Tier 1 will be entitled to a daily meal of £2.55.
Will the Bursary affect any benefits I may be receiving?
No, it will not affect any benefits or financial support you are receiving from elsewhere.
How and when does it get paid?
Whenever possible the Bursary fund will pay for any requests by purchasing items directly and paying for travel, etc. When a payment is to be made it will be available from the finance office or paid directly into a bank account.
How do I find out more?
If you require any further information or have specific questions including details on eligibility criteria and supporting evidence needed, please speak to Mrs Milsom.