The Rosewood School

What is a Post-16 Bursary?

A Post-16 Bursary is financial support provided to help students aged 16–19 continue their education after Year 11. It is designed to remove financial barriers and ensure that students can fully participate in their studies.

The bursary helps with essential education-related costs

Who is Eligible?

There are two types of Post-16 Bursary support:

Vulnerable Student Bursary (up to £1,200 per year)

Students may be eligible for this higher level of support if they:

Are in care or are care leavers
Receive Income Support or Universal Credit in their own name
Receive Disability Living Allowance (DLA) or Personal Independence Payment (PIP) and Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) or Universal Credit in their own name.

Proof of eligibility will be required.

Discretionary Bursary

Students who do not fall into the categories above may still be eligible for support if their household income is below a set threshold (this varies by school or college).

This is intended to support families who may struggle with the costs of post-16 education.

Parents/Carers will usually need to provide:

Evidence of household income (e.g. Universal Credit award notice, tax credits, payslips)
Details of any benefits received

What Can the Bursary Be Used For?

The bursary is intended to help with essential course-related costs, such as:

Travel to and from school or college
Meals during the school day
Books and stationery
Specialist equipment or uniforms
Educational trips or visits that are a required part of the course

Funds may be paid directly to parents/students or used by the school/college to cover specific costs, depending on the provider’s policy.

How and When to Apply

Applications usually open in the summer (June/July - September).
Some schools and colleges allow applications throughout the year, but funding is limited, so it is best to apply as early as possible.
Application forms are available from the school or college website or student services office.

You will need to:

Complete the application form
Provide supporting evidence of income or benefits
Sign a declaration confirming the information is accurate

Applications are assessed confidentially, and families will be informed of the outcome once reviewed.

Important to Know

Receiving a bursary may depend on attendance, punctuality, and meeting course expectations.
Students may need to reapply each academic year.
Funding is limited and not guaranteed.

Information about the bursaries available at the colleges in Kent can be found on the following websites:

Mid Kent College (Maidstone and Medway)

https://www.midkent.ac.uk/help-advice/student-finance/financial-support-for-16-18

Canterbury College

https://www.canterburycollege.ac.uk/information/help-and-support/financial-support/

Ashford College

https://www.ashfordcollege.ac.uk/information/help-and-support/financial-support/

Broadstairs College

https://www.broadstairscollege.ac.uk/information/help-and-support/financial-support/

Folkestone College

https://www.folkestonecollege.ac.uk/information/help-and-support/financial-support/

Dover College