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 two types of 16 to 19 bursaries:

• a vulnerable bursary of up to £1,200 a year for young people in one of the defined vulnerable groups
• discretionary bursaries which institutions award to meet individual needs, for example, help with the cost of transport, meals, books and equipment

Institutions are responsible for managing both types of bursary. Students who want to apply for support from the bursary fund should contact their chosen institution as soon as possible to make an application.

To be eligible for the vulnerable bursary, students must be in one of the defined vulnerable groups:

• in care
• care leavers
• in receipt of Income Support, or Universal Credit in place of Income Support, in their own right
• in receipt of Employment and Support Allowance or Universal Credit and Disability Living or Personal Independence Payments in their own right

To be eligible for the discretionary bursary, students must be facing financial barriers to participation and need help to stay in education.

At Saint Thomas More all students are entitled to apply for discretionary bursary. Pupil Premium students automatically qualify and all other applicants with a household income of less than £25,000 will also benefit.

Bursary Information for students and parents

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