All further education courses are free if you are a UK resident and aged under 19 on the 31st August in the year you start your studies.

Depending upon your circumstances, the following financial support packages are available. The 16-19 Bursary is designed to help students who are experiencing financial difficulty in accessing or completing their course. You must be under 19 on the 31 August in the year in which you start your programme of study. The Bursary can be used to help with the cost of transport, meals, essential books and equipment, trips, print credits, specific clothing and any other essential costs incurred as a result of attending college.

Below is a summary of the 16-19 Bursary funds available. For more information regarding our bursary policy, application guidelines and to apply, please click the links at the bottom of the page.

Vulnerable Student Bursary

Learners from the following categories are entitled to this bursary:

  • In Care (including unaccompanied Asylum Seekers)
  • A Care Leaver
  • In receipt of Income Support/Universal Credit (e.g. young parent, or young person living independently)
  • In receipt of Employment Support Allowance and Disability Living Allowance OR Personal Independence Payment and Universal Credit

16-19 Discretionary Bursary for students who are most in need

Priority will be given to:

  • Students eligible for Free College Meals
  • Students from families with a gross household income of £30,000 or less.

Please note: that Apprenticeships are not eligible for the college bursary.

Free College Meal Criteria

You will be eligible for these if you or your parent(s) receive one of the following benefits:

  • Income Support
  • Income-Based Job Seekers Allowance
  • The guarantee element of State Pension Credits
  • Income-related Employment & Support Allowance (or Universal Credit Limited Capability for Work)
  • Support under Part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999
  • Universal Credit with net earnings no more than £7,400
  • Child Tax Credit (provided you are not entitled to Working Tax Credit) and have an annual gross income of no more than £16,190, as assessed by HMRC.

16-19 Childcare

Care to Learn can help you with childcare costs while you study. You could receive up to £160 per week for each child. For more information and to make an application please click here.