16-19 Bursary Fund Policy
Policy Overview
At Bacon's College, we are committed to supporting our students in overcoming financial barriers to education. The 16 to 19 Bursary Fund is designed to assist students in addressing specific financial challenges they may face, ensuring their continued participation in education. This fund is tailored to cover actual participation costs, and decisions are made based on individual circumstances and financial needs.
Funding Source and Administration
Funding for the 16 to 19 Bursary Fund is provided by the Education & Skills Funding Agency (ESFA) and administered by Bacon's College. Our school conducts financial assessments for each applicant and manages bursaries in accordance with the ESFA's Bursary Fund Guide for 2025/26.
Types of Bursaries
There are two types of 16 to 19 bursaries:
- Bursaries for Defined Vulnerable Groups (Up to £1,200 a year): These bursaries are awarded to students with financial needs who fall into specific vulnerable groups, including those in care, care leavers, recipients of Income Support or Universal Credit for self-support or dependent support, and recipients of Disability Living Allowance or Personal Independence Payments, as well as Employment and Support Allowance or Universal Credit.
- Discretionary Bursaries: These bursaries are awarded to students to help cover expenses such as travel, essential books, equipment, or specialised clothing. Like defined vulnerable group bursaries, these awards are based on individual financial needs. Discretionary Bursaries are ordinarily awarded where household income (including any benefits) is below £26,000, but we are able to consider exceptional circumstance for students that do not meet this criteria. Please see more detail on this below.
Application and Eligibility
To be eligible for either bursary, students must be aged 16 or over but under 19 as of the August 31st prior to the start of that academic year. E.g. August 31st 2026, for the 2026-2027 academic year.
Applications should be submitted by the end of October, and will be assessed by the Bursary Committee. We set aside a part of the Discretionary Bursary allocation every year to accommodate changes in circumstances and late requests received after the deadline. Any changes in circumstances should be discussed with a member of staff if you feel you may now qualify for support.
Conditions and Expectations
Bacon's College reserves the right to withhold the bursary if students do not meet attendance and behaviour expectations. Students should maintain an attendance rate of at least 95% and serve as role models for younger students. Effective time management and keeping up with assignments and homework are also expected.
Please note that continuous absence of four weeks or more (excluding holidays) and voluntary withdrawal from a study programme may result in the suspension of payments. Additionally, any books or equipment provided by the school must be returned at the end of the study programme.
All support will be provided by the school purchasing items for students, and no money will be paid directly to students. The school is required to ensure that all funds are used for relevant and approved purchases. All requests for support should be submitted to the school, which will then purchase the items and provide them to the students. Students should not purchase items directly, and the school is unlikely to reimburse students for any purchases made, even where they are related to a student's school needs.
Complaints and Exceptional Circumstances
If you have concerns about how your bursary application is handled, please refer to our Complaints Policy on the school website. In exceptional circumstances not covered by this policy, students and parents/carers may apply for a discretionary bursary in writing to the Head of Sixth Form, providing specific circumstances and supporting documentation. Students considering an exceptional circumstances application should speak to a member of Sixth Form staff in the first instance to discuss their circumstances.
At Bacon's College, we are dedicated to supporting our students' education and ensuring fair and transparent financial assistance.
For further information on 16-19 bursaries you can visit: https://www.gov.uk/1619-bursary-fund/overview