16-19 Bursary

At Heron Academy, alongside parents and carers we apply for 16 - 19 bursaries for pupils to ensure they can access their studies, where they would otherwise be unable to do so for financial reasons. The bursary is intended to help pupils with the essential costs of their studies, e.g. important equipment and community access. We are committed to ensuring all Heron pupils have opportunities to develop and transfer skills to the wider community. 

 

There are two types of bursaries available: discretionary and vulnerable. Each bursary is allocated based on pupils meeting the eligibility criteria. The government sets out specific criteria for the vulnerable bursary which entitles students to the funding, whilst the eligibility criteria for the discretionary bursary is determined by the setting. In both cases, the setting is responsible for determining whether a student’s application has been successful.

 

We are dedicated to:

• Distributing 16-19 bursaries via a fair and equal process that is transparent, accountable and easily understood.

• Ensuring that information regarding the application, award, and administration of 16-19 bursaries are available to all.

• Widening access to, and participation in, 16-19 education.

• Ensuring all pupils who are eligible for funding have access to it with support from our family liaison officer.

 

Pupils aged 16 or over and under 19 years old on 31 August 2024 will qualify for bursaries for the 2024/2025 academic year. Pupils must also satisfy the residency criteria as specified in the ESFA Funding Guidance. Pupils aged 19 or over are not eligible for the vulnerable bursary. 

 

All students will be assessed individually for either bursary. Evidence must be provided to support applications – a full list of supporting evidence is outlined in our 16-19 Bursary Application Form and in the ‘Supporting Evidence’ section below.

 

The level of actual financial need will be assessed for all pupils, and a set amount of funding will not be automatically awarded.

 

Vulnerable bursaries

 

To be eligible for a vulnerable bursary, pupil must meet one of the following criteria:

• The student is in care (this includes students classed as an unaccompanied asylum-seeking child)

• The student is a care leaver

• The student receives Income Support or Universal Credit because they are financially supporting themselves and/or someone who is dependent on them and living with them, such as a child or partner

• The student receives Disability Living Allowance or Personal Independence Payments in their own right, as well as Employment Support Allowance (ESA) or Universal Credit in their own right

 

Any student who meets these criteria can apply for a vulnerable bursary of up to £1,200 per year if their study programme lasts for 30 weeks or more; students on study programmes of less than 30 weeks will receive a pro-rata

amount. There will be no blanket payments without consideration of the pupils specific financial needs.

We are responsible for determining whether a pupil is eligible for a vulnerable bursary. If a pupil meets the above criteria, but we believe a bursary is not required as they do not have any financial need and do not need further support, we may decide not to distribute a bursary to this pupil.