16 to 19 Bursary

16-19 Bursary Fund

The school 16-19 Bursary Fund is available to support young people aged 16-19 in full time education who face financial barriers to participation such as costs of transport, books, clothing, equipment and help with educational visits.  There are two types of bursary: Vulnerable Bursary for the most vulnerable young people and a Discretionary Bursary for schools and colleges to distribute. 

You can apply for a Vulnerable Bursary if the student falls into one of the areas below:  

• If the student is in care 

• If the student is a care leaver 

• If the student is receiving Income Support or Universal Credit in place of Income Support in your own name 

• If the student is receiving Employment Support Allowance and Disability Living Allowance or Personal Independence Payments in their own name. 

 
You can apply for a Discretionary Bursary if you do not fall into any of the vulnerable groups above, but you need financial help to stay in education.  You may be entitled to a Discretionary Bursary if you fall into one of the areas below: 

• Your family income is below £25000 per annum

• Your parents receive benefits (Universal Tax Credits)  

Bursary payments will be dependent on students meeting 1 of the above criteria and having at least a 95% attendance record. 

Eligible students will need their own bank account as payments cannot be paid to any other account, and reimbursements are made to students on receipt of evidence of purchases and necessity. Students can also make ‘Purchase Requests’ to Ms Massey, the bursary co-ordinator, who can order items on your behalf.

If you think you might be eligible to apply for a bursary you will be asked to provide information about your financial circumstances.  The information you provide will be used to assess the level of financial support you may be eligible for.

Application forms are available from and returnable to Ms Massey in the Sixth Form at The Westwood Academy.