This page explains how the 16-19 Bursary fund is distributed at KSA Sixth Form. All applications should be made online (this has been emailed to students and parents) with bursary reviews made in October and March.

Below is the Sixth Form bursary policy along with an example of the type of questions that are required to be answered on the online application form.

If you have any queries about the sixth form bursary please contact g.chan@kingsolomonacademy.org - Sixth Form Coordinator 

What is the 16-19 Bursary?

The 16-19 Bursary Fund is designed to help and support any student who faces financial barriers to participation in education, such as costs of transport, food or equipment.

The 16-19 Bursary Fund is a limited fund and the Bursary Fund Panel will meet and consider applications and prioritise allocation. There will be three priority groups:

Level 1: High

Level 2: Medium

Level 3: Low

The first deadline for funding is 21st October 2022.  Please apply here.

Payments will be made on an “as needs” basis.  Entitlement to meet the criteria is not a guarantee of funding; our allocated funds are limited, so support will go to students who demonstrate greatest need.

Here is the online guidance for the 16 - 19 Bursary Fund 2022 - 2023 academic year. 

How do I know if I am eligible?

The scheme is divided into two parts, Nominated and Discretionary:

Level 1: Nominated Bursary - High Priority

This bursary is up to £1,200 a year and awards can be made to:

  • Young people aged 16 and 17 in care
  • Care leavers aged 16, 17 and 18
  • Young people aged 16, 17 and 18 who are in receipt of income support (for example, young people who are living independently of their parents; those whose parents have died and teenage parents)
  • Disabled young people in receipt of Employment Support Allowance who are also in receipt of Disability Living Allowance

Level 2: Discretionary Bursary – Medium Priority

Awards can be made to:

  • students in receipt of free school meals who meet the conditions relating to attendance and behaviour
  • students not eligible for the full Nominated Bursary, who live in a household where the family income is £16,190 per annum or less, and whose parents/guardians are in receipt of any of the following:
  • Income Support
  • Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance
  • Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
  • Support under Part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999
  • The guaranteed element of State Pension Credit
  • Child Tax Credit provided they are not entitled to Working Tax Credit and have an annual income (as assessed by HM Revenue & Customs) that does not exceed £16,190
  • Working Tax Credit 'run-on' - the payment someone may receive for a further four weeks after they stop qualifying for Working Tax Credit
  • Universal Credit - if you apply on or after 1 April 2018 your household income   must be less than £7,400 a year (after tax and not including any benefits you get)

Level 3: Discretionary Bursary – Low Priority

Awards can be made to students who are:

in receipt of free school meals and who meet the conditions relating to attendance and behaviour

students not eligible for the full Nominated Bursary, who live in a household where the family income is between £16,190 - £25,000 per annum, and whose parents/guardians are in receipt of any of the following:

  • Income Support.
  • Income-based Jobseeker's Allowance
  • Income-related Employment and Support Allowance
  • Support under Part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999
  • The guaranteed element of State Pension Credit
  • Child Tax Credit provided they are not entitled to Working Tax Credit and have an annual income (as assessed by HM Revenue & Customs) that does not exceed £25,000
  • Working Tax Credit 'run-on' - the payment someone may receive for a further four weeks after they stop qualifying for Working Tax Credit

Students in this category may receive the same allowances and contributions as Level 2 awards, but with smaller contributions towards a bus pass, essential educational visits and resits.

The level of support we can offer depends on the total funding received from the Young People’s Learning Agency (YPLA), and the number of applications it receives. The level of funding we receive may vary during the academic year.

NOTE: In exceptional circumstances, students who are not automatically eligible for an award under the criteria listed above, can also apply for help with one-off course related expenses. Proof of income or hardship will be required. Applications for additional help will be considered on an individual basis, and an award is dependent upon available funds.

Who makes the decisions about payments?

The Bursary Fund Panel will normally meet twice a year (November and March to consider and review applications). The Bursary Fund Panel will include the Head of Sixth Form and the Heads of Year 12 & 13.

Students and their parents should understand that the available fund is limited. Any appeals against decisions should be made to the Headteacher in the first instance.

What are the conditions for payment?

All bursary payments are subject to meeting the school’s expectations regarding attendance, conduct, completion of coursework and completion of courses enrolled upon.  Eligible students must be under the age of 19 on 31 August 2021 and enrolled on a full-time course at the school.

Students who are awarded support should be aware that to continue to receive funding, they must have:

  • At least 95% for attendance
  • No unauthorised absences
  • Punctuality – no more than one late mark per week. 
  • Good attitude to learning

All bursary payments will be conditional upon good attendance and conduct.

Payments in kind will be made to students were possible this will be for essential needs only (payment for UCAS applications, books, trips, resits, etc). Where cash bursary payments are made, these will be paid directly into a student’s bank account, dates to be advised. Evidence of what the cash bursary was used for (e.g. travel cards, top up statements, receipts of books, supplies relevant to the course etc. – this is not an exhaustive list) must be supplied before payment can be made.

What can the Bursary be used for?

Students may receive or use the funding for items such as the following (this is not an exhaustive list):

  • Subject-related technology
  • Subscriptions to magazines, journals or online learning platforms
  • Essential textbooks, extended learning texts
  • Revision Guides
  • Art materials
  • Course-related trips and Duke of Edinburgh Award
  • Travel to HE interviews and Open Days (upon production of travel receipts)
  • Oyster Card
  • Special equipment
  • Exam re-sit Fees
  • UCAS costs
  • Other expenses may be considered on application