The following information is for the 2022-2023 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:

• bursaries for defined vulnerable groups.
• 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 residency criteria in the ESFA funding regulations must be aged 16 or over but under 19 at 31 August 2022.

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.

Institutions make discretionary bursary awards to students to help them overcome the individual barriers to participation they face, for example, help with the cost of transport, meals, books and equipment. 

Payment of the bursary is subject to William Farr’s high expectation of behaviour, progress and attendance (above 90%).

Students should apply by completing an application form (available from the school) and include any evidence to support their application. Students will then receive notification in writing about whether their application has been successful. If successful, money will be paid directly into the student's bank account. Students can apply at any time should there be a change in circumstances.

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