Sixth Form Bursary

16-19 Sixth Form Bursary: Important information for all Year 12 and 13 students and their parents/carers

The Sixth Form bursary fund is made available from the government through the Education and Skills Funding Agency to provide students whose access to, or completion of, education is inhibited by financial constraints or barriers. A bursary is money that you, or the school, can use to pay for things like: clothing, books and other equipment for your course and school transport on days you study. You can find more information here https://www.gov.uk/1619-bursary-fund 

A copy of our current bursary guidance and application form can be found below

Bursary Application Form

Application Form 26-27

 

EWS 16 to 19 Bursary Fund guide: 2026-27 

 

What is a Bursary Fund?

 

The Sixth Form bursary provides financial support to help students overcome specific financial barriers to participation. The bursary can cover full or partial costs related to education such as school transport, school clothing, books, equipment, and other necessary expenses.

There are two types of bursaries defined by The Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA):

  • Bursaries for defined vulnerable groups (Level 1)
  • Discretionary bursaries (Level 2) awarded by the school to meet individual needs (e.g., transport, course-specific books, equipment).

Additionally, in cases of severe hardship, the bursary fund can provide one-off food support while a student attends their study programme.

Note: The bursary fund is not intended for general living costs, extra-curricular activities, or services like counselling, mentoring, or extra tutoring.

 

Eligibility Criteria

 

Age
Students must be aged 16 or over but under 19 on 31 August 2026 to be eligible for bursary support in the 2026–27 academic year.

Residency
Students must meet the residency criteria for post-16 provision as outlined by the ESFA.

Full eligibility details can be found in Section 3 of the official ESFA guidance here:
https://www.gov.uk/1619-bursary-fund

 

Level 1 Bursary: Vulnerable Groups

 

Eligibility
Students who meet the criteria below and have financial need may apply for a Level 1 bursary:

  • In care
  • Care leavers
  • Receiving Income Support or Universal Credit because they are financially supporting themselves or others dependent on them
  • Receiving Disability Living Allowance (DLA) or Personal Independence Payments (PIP) alongside Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) or Universal Credit in their own right

Evidence Required
Students must provide proof such as:

  • Written confirmation from the local authority if in care or a care leaver
  • Benefit award letters showing claims are in the student’s name
  • Supporting documents for Universal Credit claimants (e.g., tenancy agreements, child benefit)
  • Official evidence of DLA/PIP receipt if applicable

More info can be found here:
https://www.gov.uk/1619-bursary-fund

 

Note: Students eligible for Level 1 bursaries but without financial need may have their application declined.

 

Level 2 Bursary: Discretionary Bursaries

 

Purpose
Discretionary bursaries help with transport, essential books, equipment, or specialist clothing.

Eligibility and Assessment
Awards are made based on individual circumstances and financial need, including household income, distance to school, and family size. Students can reapply if their circumstances change.

Evidence
Proof of household income is required (e.g., P60, self-employed income details, benefit statements). Supporting evidence of costs (e.g., bus fares, equipment quotes) should also be provided.

Full guidance here:
https://www.gov.uk/1619-bursary-fund

 

Application Process
  • Applications must be submitted to Zoe Haynes, Sixth Form Administrator, by 16th October 2026, with supporting evidence.
  • Applications will be reviewed, and outcomes communicated in writing.
  • New applications must be submitted each academic year.
  • Applications may be considered later if circumstances change.

 

Payment Process
  • Payments are generally made in-kind (travel passes, vouchers, credits for meals, books, equipment).
  • Payment methods are at the school’s discretion and may change.
  • Reimbursements require a student bank account (BACS preferred). Payments should not be made to third parties except in exceptional cases.
  • Funds must only be spent on agreed educational support.

 

Purchase of Equipment
  • Items such as laptops or books purchased remain school property and must be returned at the end of the study programme unless otherwise agreed.

 

Conditions for Receiving the Bursary

Students must:

  • Maintain 95% attendance and punctuality (including PSHE, Tutor Time, Assemblies)
  • Follow the Sixth Form code of conduct and dress code
  • Complete all work to required standards on time
  • Act as positive role models and adhere to behaviour policies
  • Notify the bursary team of any changes in course, personal, financial circumstances, or transport mode
  • Accept that bursary awards are discretionary and final
  • Provide receipts for all purchases made with bursary funds
  • Understand payments will mostly be in-kind and may be withheld if criteria are not met
  • Payments may stop if students are absent for 4 continuous weeks (excluding holidays) or withdraw from their programme.

 

Security of Personal Information

All applications and evidence are securely stored and kept confidential by the Finance Office.

 

Appeals and Fraud
  • Students can appeal decisions with supporting evidence.
  • False information may result in bursary withdrawal and possible legal action.

 

Contact

Gavin Martin
Head of Sixth Form
g.martin@ews.tove.org.uk

 

For full official guidance, see:
https://www.gov.uk/1619-bursary-fund