16 to 19 Bursary Fund Policy
We have Bursary funding available to learners that are eligible in accordance with government guidance.
Specific details are available from a Centre Manager and our overall policy statement.
Introduction
Students aged 16 to 19 who are enrolled on a funded study programme with E.Quality Training may be eligible for bursary support to help with the costs of education. This can include support for travel, meals, equipment, or other essential course-related expenses.
Bursary funding is intended to remove financial barriers and ensure all learners can access and succeed in education. Support is based on individual circumstances and subject to eligibility criteria set out by the ESFA (Education and Skills Funding Agency).
For more information or to request an application form, please contact your Centre Manager or speak to a member of staff.
Eligibility and Conditions
Students aged 16 to 19 (or those who turn 19 during their programme) enrolled in a funded study programme may be eligible for bursary funding to help cover essential costs like travel, meals, equipment, or exam fees. Funding criteria include:
- Vulnerable bursary (up to £1,200/year): for learners in care, care-leavers, or those receiving Income Support/Universal Credit and Disability-related benefits in their own name.
- Discretionary bursary: available to those not in vulnerable groups but experiencing financial hardship, prioritised by household income (e.g. eligible for free school meals or income below thresholds) .
- Age and residency: Must be 16–19 on 31 August of the academic year (or continuing if turning 19), meet UK residency requirements, and be on a funded study programme
Conditions of award:
Bursary payments may be reduced or withheld if conditions are not met, though personal circumstances (e.g. illness or caring responsibilities) will be considered
Support is based on your actual participation needs, not flat-rate payment.
You must agree to conditions around attendance, behaviour, and academic progress—typically requiring full attendance and satisfactory conduct.
Application Process
Applicants must complete the application form, which is available from a Centre Manager.
Applicants must demonstrate their financial need by providing the income information and supporting evidence as detailed in the application form.
16-19 Vulnerable Bursary
This is an award of up to £1,200 a year for young people in the defined vulnerable groups. The full award is not automatically given if there is no financial need.
The vulnerable bursary is awarded to help learners pay for course related costs such as travel, books and equipment and paid conditional upon attendance and performance criteria.
16-19 Discretionary Bursary
This is open to students whose household income is below £30,000.
Awards will be made to cover course related costs including transport, books and equipment.
Travel costs will be reimbursed upon presentation of appropriate evidence such as bus or train tickets.