What is the 16-19 Bursary Fund?
The fund is made available from the government through its funding body – Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFSA) for 16-19 year olds – to provide assistance to students with their actual and direct costs of participating in education
Who is eligible to apply for 16-19 Bursary Funding?
Students following government funded full time or part-time courses, who are 16 years and over and satisfy one or more of the following criteria:-
- Students aged at least 16 and under 19 years of age on 31/08/24 who are in care, are leaving care, are in direct receipt of Universal Credit, Income Support or are disabled and in receipt of Disability Living Allowance
- Students aged at least 16 and under 19 years of age on 31/08/24 who are economically or socially disadvantaged and at risk of not taking up or continuing in their education. This group includes students with physical or other disabilities, medical conditions and/or learning difficulties.
- Young people should satisfy the residency criteria in the EFA Funding Guidance for 2023/24. This document sets out the evidence that is required to confirm eligibility.
- Young people should be participating in provision that is subject to inspection by a public body that assures quality (e.g. Ofsted). That provision must also be:
- funded by the ESFA either directly or via a local authority (this includes ESFA tendered ‘zero funded’ provision); or
- funded or co-financed by the European Social Fund; or
- otherwise publicly funded and lead to a qualification (up to level 3) that is accredited by Ofqual or is pursuant to Section 98 of the Learning and Skills Act 2000.
- a 16-19 traineeship programme
Who is not eligible for 16-19 Bursary Funding?
- Students under 16 years of age or over 19 years of age on 31/08/24.
- Students who do not meet the residency qualifications
- Students of apprenticeship programmes
- Student on distance learning courses
- Asylum seekers
How does the Academy access applications and allocate 16-19 Bursary funding?
The 16-19 Bursary Fund is a limited fund and the academy will prioritise allocation. There will be 3 priority groups, categorised as high, medium and low.
High priority group
Students aged under 19 on 31/08/24 and who fall into one of the following categories:
- Are currently in care (as defined by social services)
- Are leaving or have recently left care
- Are in receipt of Income Support or Universal Credit in their own name.
- Are disabled and in receipt of both Employment Support Allowance and Disability Living Allowance or Personal Independence Payments
Eligible students will be guaranteed a £1200 bursary plus support for other costs such as transport, equipment etc.
Payments will be made on a half termly basis (i.e. 6 times per year)
Medium priority group
Students who fall into any the following category:
- Have a gross annual household income of below £25,000.
Eligible students in this group, if they apply to the 16–19 Bursary Fund by 27th September 2024, may be eligible for a contribution towards:
- The cost of transport, essential course equipment, trips, uniforms, materials, etc.
- A possible cash bursary, of at least £45 per half term, if aged under 19 on 31 August 2024, dependent on meeting agreed attendance and behaviour criteria as detailed in the 16-19 Bursary Contract. This will be subject to availability of funds.
- Financial support towards childcare costs and exam re-sit fees if aged 19 or under on 31/08/24.
Payments will be made on a half termly, discretionary basis (i.e. 6 times per year) after completion of the half term. Please allow up to 2 weeks for processing and authorisation.
Low priority group
- Have a gross annual household income of between £25,001 and £30,000
Those in the low priority group will be considered for funding based on the Academy allocation and subject to available funding after those in the high and medium priority groups have been awarded. In some cases awards may not be made until after 31 December 2024. Students in this group may get a contribution towards the cost of essential course equipment, uniforms and transport costs (they may also receive a cash bursary if aged under 19 on 31/08/24, if funds permit).
Payments will be made on a half termly, discretionary basis (i.e. 6 times per year) after completion of the half term. Please allow up to 2 weeks for processing and authorisation.