The Government have put in place a system of bursary awards for post 16 students. These are intended to help students with education related costs, such as transport, books and equipment, so they can remain in education. 

Eligibility 

Students must be aged 16 or over, but under 19, at 31 August 2024 to be eligible for help from the bursary fund in the 2024/25 academic year. Students aged 19 or over are only eligible if they are continuing on a study programme they began aged 16-18 or have an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP). In exceptional circumstances bursaries may be paid to younger students, for example, if they are following an accelerated study programme. Students must be participating in a publicly funded course at an institution that is subject to inspection by a public body, for example  Ofsted. Students must meet the residency criteria specified in the Education and Funding Agency (ESFA) regulations. 

 

Bursaries Available 

There are 2 types of Bursary: 

1. Vulnerable  

Students may be eligible to receive a bursary of up to £1,200 if they are one of the following:  

• In care 
• Care leavers 
• Receiving Income Support, or Universal Credit 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 or Personal Independence Payments in their own right as well as Employment and Support Allowance or Universal Credit in their own right

The school will apply directly to the Government, on the student’s behalf, for this funding.   

Students may receive the full amount if they have expenses and study on a full-time course of at least 30 hours. Less than the full amount, or no bursary, may be payable if:  

• The course is shorter than 30 weeks  
• The course is part-time  
• The student incurs few expenses  

2. Discretionary 

Discretionary bursaries are administered and awarded by the school to students where financial hardship is identified. Each application is dealt with on an individual basis, ensuring that the specific needs of each student is addressed.  

 

Please note: There is a limited amount of discretionary bursary funding each year and therefore all discretionary bursary awards are subject to availability of funds. Priority will be given to those with the highest demonstrated need. Payment of bursaries will also be dependent upon students maintaining satisfactory attendance and displaying satisfactory behaviour at school. 

Students are welcome to apply if one or more of the following eligibility criteria applies: 

• The family is in receipt of Free School Meals 
• The family is in receipt of means tested benefits i.e. Income Support, Universal Credit, Job Seekers Allowance, Employment and Support Allowance, Child Tax Credit, Guaranteed Element of State Pension Credit 
• Household income is less than £30,000

 Application Process 

Applications will only be considered if the online application form https://forms.office.com/e/ND2VvF9sfy

is completed using their St Wilfrid’s Microsoft 365 account, by the closing date of Friday 27^th September 2024, and appropriate evidence supplied. This form cannot be submitted until your child is officially enrolled in VI Form.  

 

The school will retain a small emergency fund to support students who face exceptional circumstances, or a change in circumstances, during the year that may impact their ability to participate. 

 

Bursary applications will take no longer than 15 working days to process from the closing date. If the application is unsuccessful, the student will be made aware of the outcome in writing within 20 working days. Students who wish to appeal against a decision should do so by writing to the School Business Manager, within 7 days of receipt of their notification letter. 

 

Bursaries are awarded annually, therefore students awarded the bursary in Year 12 will need to re-apply for the bursary in Year 13. 

 

Payment of Bursaries (Vulnerable and Discretionary) 

Where possible, payment in kind will be made e.g. travel cards or items will be purchased by the school.  

Cash payments will only be made to students producing receipts for the learning materials required.  These will be made by BACS to the student’s bank account.  

We cannot make payments to parent(s), guardian(s) or any other third party. If you do not have a bank account and are having difficulty opening one please contact the Finance Office. 

 

Costs we may be able to help with: 

• Transport (unless eligible for support through the local authority) 
• Books 
• Course equipment/materials 
• Course related trips 
• Sports/Dance kit (for those taking the relevant courses) 
• School Lunches (where Free School Meals do not apply) 
• Exam re-sits 
• Costs of attending industry placements/work shadow placements/university interviews and open days/UCAS Fees 
• Travel to job/apprenticeship Interviews 
• Other course related costs 

  

Costs we cannot help with: