16 to 19 Bursary Statement

What is the 16 to 19 Bursary Fund?

The 16 to 19 Bursary Fund provides financial support to help young people who may face financial barriers to continuing in education or training.

At Longbenton High School, the bursary is available to eligible students in Years 12 to 14. The funding comes through North Tyneside Council and is intended to help students meet the essential costs of taking part in their sixth form study programme.

This may include support with:

  • Travel to and from school

  • Essential books or equipment

  • Course materials

  • Specialist clothing or equipment needed for a course

  • Essential education related visits or activities

  • Other costs linked directly to participation in sixth form study

The bursary is not intended to cover general living costs or non essential activities.

Who can apply?

Students may be able to apply for support if they are aged 16 or over and under 19 on 31 August at the start of the academic year.

Students aged 19 or over may also be eligible for discretionary support if they have an Education, Health and Care Plan, or if they are continuing on the same study programme they began when they were aged 16 to 18.

Bursary for students in defined vulnerable groups

Some students may be eligible for support through the bursary for defined vulnerable groups. This can provide support of up to £1,200 per year, depending on the student’s individual financial need and the actual costs they face in order to take part in education.

Students may be eligible if they are:

  • In care

  • A care leaver

  • Receiving Income Support or Universal Credit in their own right because they are financially supporting themselves, or financially supporting themselves and someone who depends on them

  • Receiving Disability Living Allowance or Personal Independence Payment as well as Employment and Support Allowance or Universal Credit in their own right

The amount awarded is not automatic. Each application is assessed individually and support is based on the student’s actual needs and the essential costs linked to their education.

Discretionary bursary

Discretionary bursaries may also be available for students who need financial help to continue in education.

Students may be considered for discretionary support if they are:

  • Eligible for free school meals

  • From a family receiving Tax Credit or Universal Credit

  • From a household with a low income

  • Facing financial hardship that may affect their ability to attend or take part fully in sixth form study

The amount of support available will depend on individual circumstances, the evidence provided, and the funding available.

How decisions are made

Applications are assessed fairly and confidentially. Decisions are based on the student’s financial circumstances and the actual costs they need help with in order to access education.

Students and families may be asked to provide evidence to support their application. This may include evidence of household income, benefit entitlement, care status, or other relevant financial information.

Bursary support may be provided as a payment, reimbursement, travel support, equipment, or another form of help, depending on the student’s needs and the arrangements in place through North Tyneside Council.

Attendance and engagement

Bursary support is intended to help students take part successfully in their education. Students receiving support are expected to attend school regularly, engage positively with their studies, and meet the expectations of the Sixth Form.

Where attendance or engagement becomes a concern, support may be reviewed.

How to apply

Paper copies of the application form are available from Miss Potts in the Post 16 Office.

Applications can also be completed online here.

Students who are unsure whether they are eligible should speak to Miss Potts or a member of the Sixth Form team. We encourage students to ask for advice as early as possible so that support can be put in place where needed.

Questions or appeals

If a student or parent has a question about the 16 to 19 Bursary Fund, they should contact the Post 16 Office in the first instance.

If a student or parent is unhappy with a decision, they should contact the school so that the decision can be reviewed. If the concern is not resolved, it will be considered through the school’s complaints procedure.

Review

This statement will be reviewed annually in line with Department for Education guidance.

Policy owner: Headteacher
Review date: July 2027