16-19 Bursary Fund 2026/2027

We are committed to ensuring that no student is prevented from joining, or succeeding in, our Sixth Form because of financial hardship. The 16 to 19 Bursary Fund is money provided by the Department for Education and administered by the school to help students with the essential costs of staying in education. This page explains who can apply, what the fund can help with, and how to apply for the 2026/2027 academic year.

What is the 16 to 19 Bursary Fund?

The Bursary Fund exists to help students overcome specific financial barriers to participation, so they can remain in full-time education. It can help with essential, education-related costs such as travel to and from school, books, stationery and equipment, specialist clothing or kit required for a course, and trips or visits that are an essential part of a student's study programme. It can also support costs such as UCAS application fees and university admissions test fees. The fund cannot be used for general living costs.

Support is assessed individually. Awards are based on each student's actual needs and circumstances rather than paid as an automatic flat amount, so the type and level of support will vary from student to student.

Who is eligible?

To receive support from the Bursary Fund in 2026/2027, a student must be aged 16 or over but under 19 on 31 August 2026, be enrolled in our Sixth Form, and meet the government's residency criteria for post-16 funding. (Students aged 19 or over may only receive discretionary support in limited circumstances, for example if they are continuing a course they began before turning 19 or have an Education, Health and Care Plan.)

There are two types of bursary.

1. Bursary for students in defined vulnerable groups — up to £1,200 per year

Students may be eligible for a bursary of up to £1,200 per year (for study programmes of 30 weeks or more) if they are:

in care, or a care leaver
receiving Income Support or Universal Credit in their own name, because they are financially supporting themselves (or themselves and someone dependent on them)
receiving both Disability Living Allowance (DLA) or Personal Independence Payment (PIP) in their own name andEmployment and Support Allowance (ESA) or Universal Credit in their own name

Please note that receiving DLA or PIP alone does not qualify a student for this bursary, and the actual amount awarded depends on the student's individual needs — it is not an automatic payment of £1,200.

2. Discretionary bursary

The discretionary bursary is available to students whose household financial circumstances mean they need help with the essential costs of participating in Sixth Form study. The school sets the criteria for this bursary. For 2026/2027, students may be considered where [insert your school's criteria — for example: household income is below £X, the student is eligible for free school meals, or the family receives certain means-tested benefits]. Evidence of household income or benefits will be requested as part of the application.

How to apply

Applications for 2026/2027 opened on Monday 15th June 2026 and should be submitted by Friday 27th November 2026 although we welcome applications at any point in the year — circumstances can change, and students who become eligible mid-year should not hesitate to come forward.

Each application is assessed individually and treated in the strictest confidence.

Questions?

For full national guidance, see the Department for Education's 16 to 19 Bursary Fund pages: https://www.gov.uk/1619-bursary-fund