16-19 Bursary

The school and governors fully support the Government’s priority to eliminate the gap in attainment between poorer and more affluent backgrounds. The Government provides funding to tackle disadvantage through support to help young people meet the costs of participating in education and training post-16. The 16-19 Bursary Fund is designed to help support those young people who face the greatest barriers to continuing in education or training post-16. 

Eligibility

a) A student must be at least 16 years but under 19 years of age on 31st August in the academic year in which they start their programme of study;

b) Meets residency requirements;

Vulnerable student Bursary

You could get up to £1,200 if at least one of the following applies:

• you’re in or recently left local authority care
• you get Income Support or Universal Credit because you’re financially supporting yourself
• you get Disability Living Allowance (DLA) in your name and either Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) or Universal Credit
• you get Personal Independence Payment (PIP) in your name and either ESA or Universal Credit

You may get the full amount if you have expenses and study full-time on a course of at least 30 weeks.

Any student whose family is experiencing financial difficulties. In such cases we ask parents to apply for assistance from the Bursary, stating clearly how the funding will be used to assist the student in their studies. They may be asked to provide supporting evidence, including those of income from a P60, benefit/allowance book, or self-employment income details, to prove eligibility.

Provision

We recognise that the use of the fund can be very different for a range of pupils. However, we would normally expect funding, except for that used to support Vulnerable Young People, to be used for books and equipment, essential uniform and clothing, transport to and from school, revision aids and materials and, where possible, curricular trips deemed essential for an academic course. The Bursary cannot be used for non-essential trips and visits.

Payments

Payments will generally be made to recipients either through a bank transfer or a cheque. Applicants will be informed as soon as possible after their application, but no more than seven working days after receipt. For students who do not qualify for 16-19 Bursary Funds, the school does have access to other funds which might help students in hardship - please contact Mr Fleming about these. (craig.fleming@skinners-school.org.uk)