The following information is for the 2024-2025 Academic Year.

The 16 to 19 Bursary Fund provides financial support to help students overcome specific barriers to participation so they can remain in education.

There are 2 types of 16 to 19 bursaries:

1. bursaries for defined vulnerable groups.

The defined vulnerable groups are students who:

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

2. discretionary bursaries, which institutions award to meet individual needs. This must be used for course-related costs, for example, help with the cost of transport, meals, books and equipment, school trips or travel to universities, apprenticeship and job interviews.

To be eligible for support, a student must meet the age and residency criteria in the ESFA funding document, as per the school website.

Institutions may make discretionary bursary awards to students to help them overcome the individual barriers to participation they face, such as those above.

Bursary support is subject to William Farr’s high expectation of behaviour, progress and attendance and can be withdrawn if students fall below those expectations. For example – an attendance of 90% or above. Should the student leave school during the academic year, they may be required to repay some of the bursary.

How to Apply for a bursary

Students should apply via the application form available from school and include any evidence to support their application (All information submitted will be dealt with sensitively and confidentially.) After processing, students will receive written notification about whether their application has been successful. 

If successful, support will normally be paid ‘in kind’, such as the school paying for equipment or travel expenses on behalf of the student, rather than an amount of money paid directly to the student.  Students can apply at any time should there be a change in circumstances.

For more advice go to www.gov.uk/1619-bursary-fund