We are committed to ensuring that all students can access and fully participate in their education, regardless of their financial circumstances. The 16-19 Bursary Fund, provided by the Department for Education (DfE), is designed to support students who may face financial barriers that could affect their ability to remain in education and achieve their full potential. 

The bursary can help with essential education-related costs, including: 

• Travel to and from the academy 

• Meals 

• Books and learning resources 

• Equipment and specialist materials 

• Uniform and PE kit 

There are two types of bursary available: 

Vulnerable Bursary 

Available to students who fall within one of the government’s defined vulnerable groups and meet the eligibility criteria. 

The defined vulnerable groups are students who are: 

• in care 

• care leavers 

• receiving Income Support (IS), or Universal Credit (UC) because they are financially supporting themselves or financially supporting themselves and someone who is dependent on them and living with them, such as a child or partner 

• receiving Disability Living Allowance (DLA) or Personal Independence Payments (PIP) in addition to Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) or UC - all benefits must be received by the student, in their own right 

Discretionary Bursary 

Awarded by the school to support students whose financial circumstances create barriers to participation in education. The level of support available will depend on individual need, the evidence provided and the funding allocated to the school each year. 

Funding is limited and the school receives a set allocation each academic year. As a result, the amount of support awarded may vary depending on the number of applications received and the level of need demonstrated by applicants. 

How to Apply 

To apply for the 16-19 Bursary Fund, please download and complete the application form available below. We will also have paper copies in school for you to collect from the office. 

Important information: 

• The application form must be completed in black ink. 

• The form must be signed by the student applying for the bursary. 

• Supporting evidence will be required to verify eligibility. 

• Applications will be reviewed in accordance with the Department for Education’s 16-19 Bursary Fund Guidance. 

Payment Information 

Please note that bursary payments are not made into a parent or carer’s bank account. Any approved funding must be paid directly into a bank account held in the student’s name. 

For full details of the scheme, eligibility criteria and supporting guidance, please refer to the official government guidance: 16 to 19 Bursary Fund guide: 2026 to 2027 – GOV.UK 

You can download the application form and policy using the links below.