16–19 Bursary Fund

The 16–19 Bursary Fund provides financial support to help students overcome financial barriers that may prevent them from fully participating in their education.

The funding is provided by the Department for Education (DfE). The school is responsible for assessing applications and providing support based on each student's individual circumstances, financial need and the actual costs they face in participating in education.

Who can receive support?

For the 2026/27 academic year, students will normally need to be aged 16 or over but under 19 on 31 August 2026 and meet the relevant residency requirements.

There are two types of bursary:

Bursary for students in defined vulnerable groups

This may be available to students who:

• are in care;

• are care leavers;

• receive Income Support or Universal Credit because they are financially supporting themselves, or themselves and someone dependent on them;

• receive Disability Living Allowance (DLA) or Personal Independence Payment (PIP) in their own name, as well as Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) or Universal Credit.

Students who meet one of these criteria are not automatically entitled to a set amount. The school will assess each student's individual financial need and the actual costs they need help with.

Discretionary bursary

This is available to students who face financial barriers to participating in education. The school sets its own eligibility criteria, in line with DfE guidance, and considers each student's individual circumstances, financial need and actual participation costs.

Students aged 19 or over may only be eligible for a discretionary bursary if they have an Education, Health and Care (EHC) plan or are continuing on the same study programme they began when aged 16 to 18.

What can the bursary help with?

Bursary funding can be used towards essential costs that a student needs to participate in their education, such as:

• travel to and from school;

• essential books;

• specialist equipment; and

• essential clothing or other items required for their study programme.

Awards are based on individual need and are not guaranteed. Students and families who believe they may be eligible should complete the Bursary application and submit this with the evidence required.

Please click here for application form for full details including Hillcrest School Bursary Policy.