Week B

The 16-19 Bursary Fund is a scheme to help students facing financial hardship to continue in full time education after Year 11.

To qualify, a student must be aged 16 and under 19 on the 31st August at the start of the academic year in which he/she starts a study programme; they must also be on a full-time study programme.

What a bursary is for?

A bursary is money that you can use to pay for things like:

  • clothing, books and other equipment for your course
  • transport and lunch on days you study
Who can get a bursary?

1. 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 in place of Income Support) in your name
  • you’re disabled and get both Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) (or Universal Credit in place of ESA), and either Disability Living Allowance (DLA) or Personal Independence Payment (PIP) in your name

You may get the full amount if you have expenses and study full-time on a course of at least 30 weeks. You’ll usually get less, or no bursary, if your course is shorter, you study part time or have few expenses.

You’ll be told what evidence you need, e.g. benefit letters.

Payments will be made over four rounds – November, January, March and May.

2. Discretionary student bursary

There are two priority groups who may apply for a discretionary bursary:

(a) Medium Priority Group:

Students who have a gross annual household income of below £20,000.

Eligible students in this group, if they apply by the end of September, may be eligible for a contribution towards:

  • The cost of transport, essential course equipment, trips, materials, etc.
  • A possible cash bursary dependent on good attendance and behaviour. 
  • Financial support towards exam re-sit fees

Payments will be made on receipt of a completed and authorized claim form with supporting evidence or receipts.

(b) Low Priority Group:

Students who have a gross household income of below £25,000

This group will be considered for funding after those in the high and medium priority groups have been awarded. Students may get a contribution towards transport and equipment. A cash bursary may be available if funds permit Payments will be made on an as needed basis

Free school meals are also available to students in full time education who meet the criteria specified by Reading Borough Council.

How can I apply?

Application forms can be collected from Mrs Rackley in the Finance office or Mrs Kaminska in the Study Room and should be returned before October Half Term.