The 16 to 19 Bursary Fund pays a bursary of up to £1,200 per academic year if studying fulltime to support young people in one of the defined vulnerable groups (those who do not have access to parental support and those receiving certain benefits in their own right) in participatng in education. It also enables institutions to make discretionary awards to those young people they assess as facing the greatest financial barriers to participation.
Who is it for?
Children in Care and Care Leavers in Post 16 education (e.g. sixth form, college, training providers) aged 16‐18yrs at the start of the academic year.
How is it applied for?
The young person needs to apply to their educational provider for the bursary. There may be an application form to complete but no financial details are required of the young person or of who they live with. The Social Worker will need to provide evidence that the young person is being supported by the Local Authority. The educational provider has to apply to the government once the student has enrolled. Each provider can administer the bursary in different ways.
What can it be used for?
A bursary is money that you, or your education or training provider, can use to pay for things like:
- clothing, books and other equipment for your course
- transport and lunch on days you study or train
There should be a discussion with the educational provider and young person to identify the course related costs and how the bursary will be administered. This should then be reviewed during the academic year and changes made where necessary.
Attendance and disciplinary issues may impact on any bursary payments. Make sure you are clear on any specific requirements you need to meet.