16-19 Bursaries

16-19 Bursary Fund Information

The Government has set aside funding 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 called the 16 -19 Bursary Fund.

This fund could help you with education-related costs that may arise during the school year, from meals to help to buy books, clothing or equipment for your course, or pay for educational visits.

Each school, college or training provider receives an individual allocation of these funds for the academic year. Once these funds have been awarded to eligible pupils there is no guarantee that further funding will be available to support learners who subsequently apply – so it is beneficial to apply early.

The 16 – 19 Bursary Fund has two elements:

Protected Student Bursary

You could receive up to £1200 if you:

• are in local authority care, or have recently left local authority care; or
• receive Income Support, or Universal Credit, in your own name; or
• are disabled and receive both Employment Support Allowance (ESA) and Disability Living Allowance, or Personal Independence Payments in your own name.

Discretionary Bursary

Providers may use their discretion to make awards to young people in ways that best meet the needs and circumstances of their students.

Am I eligible?

To be eligible, you must be at least 16 and under 19 years old on the 31st August. You must also be in full-time or part-time further education, or training.

Further information and advice for young people regarding the 16 -19 Bursary Fund is available from the Education Funding Agency website: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/16-to-19-education-financial-support-for-students

Who will the bursary be paid to?

1. Protected Student Bursary – payable to those students who meet the eligibility criteria for this bursary as described previously.
2. Discretionary Bursary – to those students whose circumstances are as follows:

• Students who are eligible to receive a Free School Meal
• Students whose household income is below £21,000
• Students who have been affected by a sudden, exceptional change in financial circumstances.

How much will I receive?

If your application is approved as a Protected Student Bursary you will receive a payment of up to £1200 in the present academic year.

If your application is approved as a Discretionary Bursary you will need to identify the funding required and make a request for any item to be purchased or reimbursement.

The amount you will have available to you will be determined by your individual circumstances and the requirements of the course you are studying.

All payments made under the scheme will be subject to meeting the attendance and behaviour requirements set out in the Bursary Agreement, this will be given to you if your application is successful and must be signed before any payments are made.

Applications for the 16 – 19 Bursary should be submitted by the end of September. Any applications after this time will be considered depending on the availability of funds at the time of your application.

Applications will not be considered once all funds have been distributed.

How do I apply?

If, having read this guidance, you believe you are eligible for a payment under the 16 – 19 Bursary Fund, please complete the 16 – 19 Bursary Fund application form or contact Mrs Holland, Sixth Form Centre Manager.

How will I know if my application has been successful?

If your application is successful you will be notified in writing.

What happens if my application is unsuccessful?

You will be notified in writing explaining why your application was unsuccessful. You have the right to appeal against the decision.

Appeals in writing should be sent to The Ferrers School Academy Council at Clerk1@theferrers.org

You must submit your appeal request in writing within 10 working days of receiving the decision letter. In your letter you will need to explain why you are appealing. Your appeal will be presented to an appeals panel consisting of the Principal and a School Governor for a decision. The panel’s decision is final; there is no further appeal beyond this point. You will be notified in writing within 15 working days of the outcome of your appeal.

If you require any further information, or wish to discuss your application, please contact Mrs Holland, Sixth Form Centre Manager.

The application form must be completed as follows: