16-19 bursary fund

The 16-19 Bursary Fund is money set aside by the government to help young people stay in further education or training.

If you’re aged 16 to 19 and in full or part-time further education or training, you can apply for a bursary to help with your education costs during the school year.  These costs could include essentials, such as meals and transport to school. It could also include additional things like books, clothing, equipment, essential trips, residentials and educational visits.

Because there is only a limited amount of funding, we have to make sure it goes to young people who need it most. This means those from families with low household incomes. The bursary is shared based on certain criteria, which might be based on your family’s income, parental benefits or whether you’ve previously been entitled to free school meals. See if you qualify for the bursary.

When you apply for a bursary, you or your parents will be asked to provide evidence of your financial factors. This will help us decide the type and value of the bursary you'll receive. 

How to apply for the bursary

You should apply as soon as possible. You can apply at any time, not just at the beginning of your course. The sooner you apply, the sooner you'll start to receive support.

Step 1: Pick up an application form from your school or college

Step 2: Complete the form - make sure you highlight what you are applying for

Step 3: Send your form, along with evidence of your income to:14-19 Services, Growth and Sustainability Directorate, PO Box 634, Barnsley S70 9GG.  Good quality photocopies are acceptable.

We'll assess your claim and write to tell you whether your application has been successful or not.  If it is, we'll send you details of the support we can offer and make you aware of any special conditions attached to the financial assistance we award you.

Step 4: If we refuse your application, you can appeal against our decision by writing to us. Tell us the reason for your appeal and include any supporting documentation or information.

We will deal with your appeal according to the council’s bursary appeals procedure and let you know the outcome.

How the fund is paid

This will depend on your school, college or training provider. It might be paid into your bank account, in lump sums or in instalments during your course. You may also be given a cheque or cash. It might also be paid to you ‘in kind’, which means that instead of receiving money, you could get a public transport travel pass, free meals or course equipment.  Whichever way you're paid, your school, college or training provider should provide evidence that you're getting the amount you've been promised.

Conditions of the bursary

Any financial support we provide will be conditional on you meeting 100% authorised attendance levels in all your subjects and making satisfactory progress on your course. We will withdraw the funding if, at any time, we are not happy with your attendance or behaviour.