Financial Support
We recognise that there are costs associated with studying Level Three courses in the Sixth Form.
This may be purchasing books, going on academic trips and visits or simply paying for transport into and from school.
There are a number of ways that the Woodroffe Sixth Form can financially support students during their time studying here. More information and the application forms can be found below.
16-19 Bursary Fund
16-19 Bursary Fund
The 16-19 Bursary Fund is allocated to schools by the Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA) and is aimed at students who would be unable to stay in education after Year 11 without financial help.
Applications will be assessed individually depending on personal circumstances and award decisions will be on a case-by-case basis according to need.
Students will need to re-apply each September as the Bursary does not roll over each year.
All Bursaries are subject to good attendance, conduct and attitude to learning which will be closely monitored.
Eligibility
To be eligible to receive this bursary students must be aged 16 or over but under 19 on 31 August in the academic year in which they start their full programme of study. Applicants must satisfy the residency criteria in the ESFA Funding Guidance.
There are two levels of entitlement to the 16-19 Bursary Fund:
A. Bursary for defined vulnerable groups
The defined vulnerable groups are students who are:
- in care
- a care leaver
- claiming Income Support or Universal Credit because they are financially supporting themselves
- receiving Disability Living Allowance or Personal Independence Payments in their own right as well as Employment and Support Allowance or Universal Credit in their own right.
Students from the above groups may receive a Bursary of up to £1,200 per year from the Fund. Payments will be dependent on financial need, attendance, behaviour and progress on the course.
Evidence
The school requires original evidence from the Local Authority, external agencies, key worker/social worker or evidence of Income Support /Universal Credit/etc in your own name. Written confirmation from the Local Authority of the young person’s current or previous looked after status will be required. There is more detail on evidence required in the 16 to 19 Bursary Fund guide 2023 to 2024 academic year – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk).
Application
We should already be aware of any internal students in this category, however any external students joining the Sixth Form who fit these criteria should contact Mr Loveland or Mrs Marmion on registration day.
B. Discretionary Bursary
Students from this group do not have the same entitlement to the 16-19 Bursary Fund as the vulnerable group, however they may be funded for Sixth Form related costs at the discretion of the school should funding permit through the Discretionary Bursary. Payments will depend on total household income and students must:
- Live in a household where the total annual income is under £30,000
- Have achieved at least 95% average attendance (including punctuality) for the half-term
- Have produced work of an acceptable standard
- Have met all subject deadlines
Evidence
The School requires the original documentation showing the total household income for the year (or previous year if the current years is unavailable and the income is unlikely to change).
This is likely to include the 3 most recent Universal Credit monthly award statements, which can then be multiplied by 4 for an estimate of income for the whole year.
Evidence of Company dividends if self-employed.
Alternatively full copies of Working Tax Credit, Child Tax Credit, Income Support, Employment Support Allowance or any other benefits including payslips which could help support the application as evidence of household income.
In addition to this we will require a signed note from the applicant’s parent/carer confirming the household income status.
Payments from the 16-19 Bursary Fund are expected to contribute to the following:
- Travel to and from School
- Essential educational trips
- Books/Learning Resources and stationery
- Necessary course–related equipment and uniform
- UCAS fees/HE travel related expenses
Students eligible for help from the Discretionary Bursary Fund should not expect that payments will cover all course-related expenses: there is a limited amount available to the school each year and this will be distributed amongst students in need. The ESFA do not expect the Bursary Fund to be used to fund extra-curriculum activities unless they are essential to the course. Please note payments will depend on the students’ attendance, behaviour and progression on their courses.
Application
Students applying for the Discretionary Bursary will be given the application forms on registration day or alternatively you can access the forms online from the website. These forms should be completed in full with copies of supporting paperwork attached and returned to Mrs Marmion in the sixth form office by 17th September.
The Sixth Form Bursary Team will be responsible for deciding who receives the awards based on the criteria outlined above. The Bursary Fund is given to the school each year by the ESFA (Education & Skills Funding Agency).
Further Information
Further details on the Bursary Fund can be found here: 16 to 19 Bursary Fund guide 2023 to 2024 academic year – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk).
16-19 Travel Contribution
16-19 Travel Contribution
The aim of this Bus Travel Bursary Contribution (BTBC) is to provide some financial support towards travel costs for eligible students who are aged 16-19, currently attending the Woodroffe School Sixth Form and following a full-time course. Please download the form to apply for financial support with student bus travel costs.