Bursaries -
Financial Support for Students

In September 2011, the Government replaced the Educational Maintenance Allowance (EMA) with a 16-19 Bursary Fund. The aim of the fund is to provide assistance to all of you whose access to, or completion of, education is inhibited by financial constraints or barriers.

Payment is dependent on meeting agreed achievement and behaviour criteria as laid out in the Stroud High Sixth Form Learning Agreement. You will be given further details on this easy process once you have joined us in September.

Eligibility

You are eligible if you:
- are following Government funded full-time or part-time courses;
- are 16 years and over;
- under 19 years of age on 31st August in the academic year in which you start your programme of study; and
- fulfil the residency criteria in the EFA Funding Guidance for 2013/14 (see https://www.gov.uk/16-to-19-education-funding-guidance).

To be eligible for funding, you must provide evidence that you satisfy the eligibility criteria.

Process

To apply for a Bursary either download and complete the 16-19 Bursary Application Form (see the menu on the left of screen) or pick up a form from Julia Merrett in Sixth Form. Applications cannot be made until a Sixth Form place has been confirmed and you have commenced your post-16 studies with us.

Applications will be accepted throughout the academic year to allow for changes in personal circumstances. However, as funds are limited, it is in the student's interest to apply as soon as conveniently possible. All completed applications should be given to Sarah Tapscott, Head of Sixth Form.

Please note that an application will not be assessed unless it contains full details including documentary evidence of household income.

Funding Levels

There are five different funding levels, details of which can be found on the application form.

Discretionary Bursary

Parents/Carers/Students may approach the school at any time in case of hardship (including sudden or temporary circumstances) for assistance, these cases will be dealt with on a case by case basis. Please contact Sarah Tapscott, Head of Sixth Form. Any discussion will be treated in the strictest confidence.

Appeals

You are entitled to appeal against the decision made in relation to your application for a Bursary or the withholding of payments. You should write a letter of appeal to Mr Mark McShane (Headteacher). This will be forwarded for consideration by an Appeals Panel consisting of Sarah Tapscott (Head of Sixth Form), Mrs Sandra Thomson (Business Manager) and a Governor.

Fraud

Applicants’ parents are responsible for providing true, accurate and complete information on total household income. Fraudulent claims for Bursary allocations will be treated very seriously. Students found to make fraudulent claims will be required to refund all payments and the police will be informed.

Find Out More about Getting Financial Support

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FAQs

Am I eligible for a grant?

Because there are only limited funds, schools have to make sure that grants reach those most in need of support.

To be eligible for Level 1 funding you have to show evidence of:   
- Being a young person in care
- Being a care leaver (young people who cease to be looked after or accommodated)
- Being in receipt of Income Support
- Being a disabled young person in receipt of Employment Support Allowance and Disability Living Allowance. 

To be eligible for Level 2 funding you have to show evidence of being in receipt of Free School Meals. This shows that you are in receipt of certain benefits and must be renewed every six months.

To be eligible for Level 3-5 funding you have to show evidence of financial hardship. Each application will be considered on individual circumstances..

What "evidence" do I need to show?

The application form gives examples of evidence that might support your application for a grant. If you do not have any of these but would still like to be considered, you should write a letter to the Head teacher and attach it to your application giving clear details about your household’s income.

When should I apply?

Applications are considered at any time throughout the year. However, it is in your interest to apply as soon as possible, as funding is limited. You should submit your application to Sarah Tapscott, Head of Sixth Form. 

If you have been awarded a Bursary, it will last for the academic year, unless your circumstances change, so you won’t need to apply again. New applications can be submitted at any time for consideration.

In the event of an emergency, you should talk to the Head of Sixth Form as grants may be awarded in extreme cases.

Will I automatically get what I apply for?

If you qualify for Level 1 funding, you will be entitled to this grant.

Level 2, 3, 4 and 5 funding is discretionary and will be allocated depending on need and funds available. The more information you put into your application about what you will find difficult to fund and why, the more easily the school will be able to assess your needs.

How will I know what I might find difficult to fund?

If you travel by bus to school, think about how much this is going to cost for the year. Might you need to travel to other course related events, or do you plan to travel to University open days? 

Talk to the teachers of the courses you are on. Are there any costs associated with the course, such as textbooks or other equipment? Will there be any costs associated with the exams or modules? Are there any trips that are part of the course?

You may need access to a computer at home to support your studying. Also think about meals while you are here during the day.

Will the grant be paid in cash?

Levels 1 funding will be paid monthly by BACS transfer directly into your (the student's) bank account.

Level 2, 3, 4 and 5 grants will be paid at the discretion of the Sixth Form and may be paid in kind such as meals, course materials or travel passes, or into a student’s bank account upon production of receipts of goods purchased.

Can I keep books, laptops and other equipment when my course has finished?

It depends on what the item is. Government guidelines state that books and other equipment must be returned to the school to enable them to be re-used
by other eligible students.  At the present time Stroud High Sixth Form does not expect you to return books or equipment purchased with your bursary, however if you are unsure please discuss individual items with the finance office. 

You will not be required to return consumables, such as pens, paper etc.

Can the grant be paid into someone else’s (such as another family member) bank account?

No, BACS payments will only be made into the named account of the applicant.

What should I do if I don’t agree with the Panel’s decision?

Students are entitled to appeal against the decision made in relation to their application for a Bursary or the withholding of payments. 

Students should write a letter of appeal to Mark McShane, Headteacher. This will be forwarded for consideration by the Appeal Panel of the school.

The Appeal Panel consists of Sarah Tapscott, Head of Sixth Form, Sandra Thomson: Business Manager, and a school governor. The outcome of this reconsideration will be notified in writing and is final.

Where can I get further information?

Talk to Sarah Tapscott, Head of Sixth Form, the finance office or Sixth Form student support.

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