16 to 19 Bursary Fund
Support in breaking down barriers
What is the 16 to 19 Bursary Fund?
The 16 to 19 Bursary Fund is financial support provided by the Department for Education (DfE) to help students whose access to, or completion of, education is affected by financial barriers. Funding is limited and is used to support essential participation costs.
There are two types of bursaries: Vulnerable Student Bursaries and Discretionary Bursaries.
Vulnerable Student Bursary
Students in defined vulnerable groups may receive up to £1,200 per year (pro‑rata for programmes under 30 weeks). Students must meet the eligibility criteria and demonstrate financial need.
Who is eligible?
Students aged 16–18 who are in one of the following groups:
- In care;
- Care leavers;
- Receiving Income Support or Universal Credit because they are financially independent;
- Receiving Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) and Disability Living Allowance (DLA) or Personal Independence Payment (PIP);
- Meeting DfE residency criteria and enrolled on DfE‑funded provision.
Who is not eligible?
- Students under 16 or over 19 at the start of the academic year;
- Students who do not meet residency requirements;
- Students who do not meet any of the defined vulnerable group criteria.
Evidence required
Examples of acceptable evidence include:
- Local authority confirmation of looked‑after or care‑leaver status;
- Income Support or Universal Credit award notice;
- ESA plus DLA/PIP award documentation.
Discretionary Bursary
Discretionary bursaries support students who face financial barriers but do not qualify for the vulnerable bursary. Awards are based on assessed need and may support travel, essential books, equipment, specialist clothing, exam resits, or syllabus‑required educational visits.
Level 1: Household income below £12,000. Tiered termly payments up to £1,200. Support may include bus passes (>2 miles), essential visits, exam resits, university interview travel, and school clothing.
Level 2: Household income between £12,000–£20,000. Tiered termly payments up to £900 with smaller contributions for travel and essential visits.
Level 3: Household income between £20,000–£25,000. Tiered termly payments up to £600. May include train passes (>2 miles) and ad‑hoc support.
Proof of income
At least two forms of evidence are required. Acceptable documents include:
- DWP benefits letter;
- P60;
- Tax Credit Award Notice;
- Annual income evidence;
- Three months’ payslips, bank statements, or UC monthly award;
- Local authority Free School Meals confirmation;
- Self‑employment income evidence.
Payment of bursary
Vulnerable Bursary: Paid in equal half‑termly instalments.
Discretionary Bursary: May be paid:
- In half‑termly instalments;
- By bank transfer, cheque, or cash;
- Through provision of items (travel pass, meals, books, equipment);
- As one‑off payments for syllabus‑required trips.
Payments may be stopped if a student breaches the Sixth Form Contract.
How to apply
Apply using the bursary application form (available from Mrs Aryee). Applications should be submitted by 1 December each year.
16 to 19 Bursary Application Form
If household circumstances change, you must inform the school immediately.
Bursary Fund decisions
Funding is limited. Applications are prioritised as follows:
- Vulnerable Student Bursary applicants;
- Discretionary Bursary applicants;
- Students requesting additional help.
Applications should be submitted to Mr Carlin as soon as possible after admission. The closing date is the third Friday of the autumn term. Students who become eligible mid‑year should contact the School Business Leader.
Failure to comply with the Attendance Policy or Sixth Form Contract may result in funding being withdrawn.
Attendance requirements
Students must maintain at least 90% attendance including morning and afternoon registration. Acceptable authorised absences include:
- Medical procedures or illness with appropriate evidence;
- Hospital appointments;
- University interviews or open days (authorised);
- School trips;
- Official school closure;
- Official study leave.
Absences not accepted for bursary purposes include:
- Hair appointments;
- Dentist appointments;
- Self‑certified absence;
- School exclusion;
- Family holidays;
- Lateness affecting lesson attendance.
Students who do not meet attendance requirements may be required to meet with the Head of Sixth Form and may have payments suspended.
Distribution of awards
Gumley House School FCJ determines eligibility and award levels for discretionary bursaries. The DfE sets criteria for vulnerable bursaries.
The school may purchase items directly or reimburse costs upon receipt submission. Awards may include:
- Attendance‑linked payments;
- Free or subsidised meals;
- Transport support;
- Equipment and kit;
- Essential educational visits;
- Or a combination of these.
The school may reserve up to 20% of the bursary allocation to support in‑year changes in circumstances.
Notification
Students will receive an email confirming receipt of their application, their support allocation, and any payment schedule.
Appeals
Appeals must be submitted in writing within two weeks of receiving the support allocation email. Appeals should be made to the Sixth Form Administrator and may require additional evidence.
Changes in circumstances
Students receiving bursary support must inform the School Business Leader immediately of any change in household financial circumstances.
Students not currently receiving support may apply mid‑year if their circumstances change.
Further Information