16-19 Bursary

We are committed to ensuring all students have equal access to quality education within our sixth form. Please see the information below regarding opportunities to apply for bursary funds to support your education.

Academies receive allocations for a 16-18 Bursary fund, under arrangements set out by the Secretary of State under section 14 of the Education Act 2002. The allocation is received through GAG Funding which is devolved through the EFA. The government provides funding to close the gap in attainment between those from poorer and more affluent backgrounds and to ensure every young person participates in and benefits from a place in 16–18 education and training.

• Transport
• Books and Equipment
• Uniform items
• Trips that are an essential part of the curriculum
• Other discretionary

• Bursaries for vulnerable students
• Discretionary bursaries

Eligibility: all bursaries

• Be under the age of 19 (unless they begin their course aged 16 to 18 or have an Education, Health and Care Plan.
• Must meet the residency criteria (if in doubt please check first)
• Have 100% attendance except authorised absence
• A positive attitude to learning and Academy life

Eligibility: vulnerable students

• In care.
• Care leavers.
• Receiving income support (IS), or Universal Credit (UC) because they are financially supporting themselves or financially supporting themselves and someone who is dependent on them and living with them such as a child or partner.
• Receiving Disability Living Allowance (DLA) or Personal Independence Payment (PIP) in their own right as well as Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) or Universal Credit (UC) in their own right.

Eligibility: discretionary business 

• Receiving Free School Meals.
• Having a total annual household income of £30,000 or less which includes all employment income and benefits for the year.

Evidence must be attached to all applications except those receiving Free School Meals as this can be verified on the school system.

The following evidence will be accepted to prove annual household income:

• Universal Credit Award notices for the last 3 months
• Tax Credit Award Notification from HMRC for tax year 2024/25
• Any other benefit letter from HMRC or Job Centre Plus dated less than 3 months old
• Last 3 months payslip or P60 for tax year 2024/25 or last P45
• SA302 form or annual accounts to prove self-employment income

A late application is only accepted when circumstances change. Should a student become eligible during the academic year they will receive a pro-rata bursary from the date of eligibility. 

The bursary provides financial assistance with school related costs, such as:

• Travel to/from the academy
• Meals
• Resources like books, stationary, course related clothing etc.
• UCAS fee
• Travel to university open days
• Exam resit fees
• Travel to/from work experience

The Academy will purchase the required items for eligible students up to the value of the Bursary award. Further details will be published after the application deadline. 

Occasionally students may incur costs in advance. The Academy will only reimburse these after receiving proof of expenditure, for example, receipts or oyster card top-up statements. Should there be a discrepancy between the claim and the proof the request will be rejected and the student will be notified.