Sixth Form Bursary (2026-27)

Post-16 students can apply for a bursary to help with the essential costs of participating in their education. The 16-19 Bursary Fund is administered by the school.

Eligibility

Students must be aged 16 or over, but under 19 on 31 August 2026, to be eligible for support from the bursary fund during the 2026-27 academic year. Students must also meet the relevant residency requirements for the 16-19 Bursary Fund at the start of their study programme.

Students aged 19 or over may be eligible for a discretionary bursary if they have an Education, Health and Care (EHC) plan or are continuing on the same study programme they began aged 16 to 18.

Continued bursary support is subject to the student meeting agreed Sixth Form expectations. Individual circumstances will always be considered before support is withheld.

• The student must not have unauthorised or unexplained absence from lessons/school.
• The student must continue to meet Sixth Form expectations in relation to attendance, punctuality, submission of work assignments and general conduct.

Types of Bursary

1. Bursary for Students in Defined Vulnerable Groups – up to £1,200

Eligibility criteria:

• Students currently in local authority care.
• Students who have recently left local authority care.
• Students receiving Income Support or Universal Credit because they are financially supporting themselves, or themselves and someone who is dependent on them and living with them.
• Students receiving Disability Living Allowance (DLA) or Personal Independence Payment (PIP) in their own name and either Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) or Universal Credit.
• Students must demonstrate an actual financial need for support with essential participation costs.

Meeting one of the defined vulnerable group criteria does not automatically entitle a student to £1,200. The amount awarded will be based on an individual assessment of actual need and evidenced participation costs.

Payment

Support may be provided by bank transfer or in kind, for example through travel support, essential books, equipment or other approved course-related costs. Awards will reflect the student’s assessed need rather than a fixed or flat-rate payment.

2. Discretionary Bursary

Eligibility criteria:

• Students currently receiving Free School Meals and/or Universal Credit, or whose gross annual household income is less than £20,000.
• Students must demonstrate an actual financial need for support with essential participation costs.
• Awards are made at the school’s discretion, subject to available funding. Assessment will take account of household income, household circumstances (including the number of dependent children), the student’s identified need and the number of applications received.

The £20,000 household income threshold is the school’s local criterion for the discretionary bursary and does not create an automatic entitlement to a particular award.

Payment

• Where a cash payment is appropriate, it may be paid by BACS in instalments during the academic year.
• Support may also be provided in kind, for example through travel support, books, equipment, specialist clothing or contributions towards essential course-related trips.
• All awards will be based on the student’s individual circumstances, actual financial need and evidenced participation costs.

Essential Costs

The bursary fund is intended to help students with the essential costs of participating in their study programme, such as public transport to and from school; essential books and equipment; specialist clothing or equipment required for the course; and other essential course-related costs.

The bursary fund is not intended to support general living costs, non-essential extra-curricular activities, or learning and pastoral support such as counselling, mentoring or extra tutoring.

 Application process

Eligible students should apply as soon as possible after enrolment in September for Year 12, or soon after progressing to Year 13, using this application form. Completed applications and supporting evidence should be submitted to the School Business Manager.

Initial applications should be submitted by Friday 11 September 2026. Applications received after this date may still be considered where a student’s circumstances change or exceptional financial need arises.

Students must reapply for support in each academic year.

Attendance, Punctuality and Conduct

Continued receipt of bursary support may be conditional upon the student meeting agreed Sixth Form standards for attendance, punctuality and behaviour. Where these standards are not met, the school may withhold future payments after considering the student’s individual circumstances.