What is the 16-19 Bursary Fund?
The 16-19 Bursary Fund is money the government provides schools to give to students who need financial help to stay in education.
Bursaries can pay for:
Transport, school trips related to the curriculum, emergency meal support and materials for practical subjects like food for food technology lessons
There are two types of Bursaries: –
Vulnerable Bursaries – of up to £1200 a year for young people in one of the defined vulnerable groups. Not available to those over 19.
Discretionary Bursaries – for 16-19 year olds not in a vulnerable group. Over 19’s can apply for this type of Bursary IF continuing a study programme which began when they were aged 16-18 OR if they have an EHCP
Would I qualify for a Vulnerable Bursary?
Do you have a financial need that isn’t met by other funding and are you…?
1.) A young person in care or a care leaver?
OR
2.) A young person in receipt of Income Support or Universal Credit in your own right?
OR
3.) A young person in receipt of Employment Support Allowance (ESA)or Universal Credit AND Disability Living Allowance (DLA) or Personal Independence Payments (PIP) in your own right?
Evidence you will need to send with your application form: –
- For students in care or a care leaver –written confirmation of current or previous looked after status from the local authority.
- A recent Claim/Award Notice (less than 3 months old) confirming payment of benefits for Income Support, Universal Credit, DLA, ESA, PIP. For students receiving UC or IS in their own right, need to send a copy of your tenancy agreement, birth certificate or utility bill.
The government is very clear that the vulnerable bursary will only be paid to those who can evidence financial need and should not be given if the funding is already provided from elsewhere.
Would I Qualify for a Discretionary Bursary?
Household income is used to determine qualification and the amount of financial support that may be granted. This will be used along with other factors such as the number of dependent children in the household, distance of travel and actual participation needs a pupil has.
If on free school meals AND you applied successfully last year NO more evidence is needed for year 2025-26. BUT the declaration must be signed to say household circumstances haven’t changed. If not on free school meals or this is the first time applying, the head of the household will need to send confirmation of benefits. (e.g. 3 Universal credit statements) and bank statements
Proof of ALL income is needed to determine total household annual income.
How do I receive payment?
Where possible school will make payment in kind rather than directly to the student e.g. to County transport. If payments in kind cannot be made, then the payment will be made directly into the student’s bank account which should be supplied on the application form. Only in very exceptional circumstances will payments be made into another person’s bank account.
Payments will be made termly and only when the school is satisfied with the student’s attendance, progress and behaviour.
You may not receive a Bursary for the total amount you ask for. The government gives a limited amount of money and it is for the school to decide who needs it most and how much each individual student should receive.
Payments in kind or to students will only be given once the monies are received by the school from the government.
Other Information
If you need further information the following link may help:
This is the Department for Education’s Information page. The Schools Bursary Policy is available on the School website www.sidestrandhall.org.uk
If you have any further questions, please contact: School Business Manager, Mrs Forster or Transition Co-ordinator, Mrs Sutcliffe
What happens if I leave the school?
If you leave the school and do not plan to return the Bursary will stop as of the date you leave.
If you move to another school or college you can apply to them for a Bursary. You should tell your new school/college that you have previously received a Bursary and they will take this into account when calculating how much Bursary they will award you.
What do I do next?
If you think that you qualify for a Bursary, complete the application form available from the Transition Co-ordinator and return it signed and with evidence (if applicable).
Make sure that the information you provide is accurate and nothing is missing especially the bank details information.
Payments cannot be made into post office accounts.
Confidentiality
Please be assured that ALL of the information that you provide with your application is treated in the strictest confidence. It is used ONLY to confirm your eligibility for a Bursary.
If you have any concerns, please feel free to discuss these with the school.
If you need help with completing the form please speak to the Pastoral Lead for 6th form or the Transition Co-ordinator.
