16-19 Bursary Fund

If you are aged between 16-19 years old, you might be eligible for a Bursary Fund, to help with education-related costs. The aim of the bursary is to ensure that students in post-16 provision, whether at a Sixth Form or College, are able to remain in education and overcome any financial barriers.

There are two different types of 16-19 bursaries available to eligible students:

• Those identified as vulnerable
• A discretionary bursary 

Bursary for students in vulnerable groups:

You may be able to get a bursary if at least one of the following applies**:

• You’re in or you recently left local authority care
• You get Income Support or Universal Credit because you’re financially supporting yourself
• You get Disability Living Allowance (DLA) in your name and either Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) or Universal Credit
• You get Personal Independence Payment (PIP) in your name and either ESA or Universal Credit

The amount you may get depends on the costs you have and what you need for your course. This might include money for books, equipment or travel costs to Sixth Form.

**Source: www.gov.uk/1619-bursary-fund/eligibility

Discretionary Bursaries:

Students can apply and be considered for a discretionary bursary if they satisfy one of the following criteria:

• Students are eligible if in receipt of FSM (free school meals) or have become eligible for this academic year, supported by documentation confirming FSM receipt from Brent.

When making a decision whether to provide funding for discretionary bursaries, we will take into account an individual's circumstances and finance needs.

Those who are able to demonstrate financial hardship arising from reasons other than those outlined in the above, are likely to be offered subsidised support with**:

• Purchasing textbooks
• The costs of school day trips and residential visits 
• Buying resources (such as equipment) 
• Purchasing Sixth Form clothing (in line with the dress code)
• Printing credit
• Lunch costs 
• Using Chromebooks
• UCAS and the costs of attending university interviews and selection days
• Attending work experience placements (such as travel costs)
• Travel costs (including Oyster card payments)

**Please note that this list is not exhaustive.

How to claim the 16-19 Bursary:

Eligibility

• be at least 16 and under 19 on 31 August 2024
• study at a publicly funded school or college, or be on an unpaid training course
• meet the residency requirements - your school or college can check this

Once you have enrolled at Kingsbury Sixth Form, you will be able to discuss your 16-19 bursary application with our Sixth Form Administrator, as well as enquire about potential financial support. 

As noted previously, applications will be considered on an individual basis. As a general guide:

• The household income will need to be below £20,000 per year 
• The student or their family are in receipt of certain benefits; 
• The student lives more than a certain distance away from Sixth Form

Students will need to make sure that they have their own bank or Post Office account, for vulnerable or discretionary bursaries to be paid into.