Any young person who continues into Education at Post 16 may apply for the 16 to 19 bursary.
Applications can be made regardless of whether the student has a conditional or unconditional offer for September.
It is recommended that these applications are submitted at the earliest opportunity as evidence is required to support the application and this can take time.
The application needs to be made directly to the college/training provider.
The application form can be found on the website for each college/training provider. For more information please visit: 16 to 19 Bursary Fund (opens new window)
16 to 19 Bursary guidance for Post 16 Institutions
This is a link to the guidance for post 16 institutions to use when they are administering the bursary. If an institution is administering the bursary for the first time then see how to ask a question about the 16 to 19 Bursary Fund from GOV.UK (opens new window)
16 to 19 Bursary Fund The 16 to 19 Bursary Fund Go to https://www.gov.uk/1619-bursary-fund/eligibility is money available to young people in care and care leavers aged 16, 17 or 18 at the start of your course.
You must be on a full time course (16 hours or more each week). Different colleges pay the bursary in different ways. You must meet your education provider's attendance requirements to get the payment.
The money can be used to pay for things like:
- clothes, books and other equipment for your course
- transport and lunch on days you study
You should apply for the bursary through your education provider. Your social worker, need to give evidence that you're in the care of the local authority.
The fund is currently up to £1,200 per year.
Apprenticeship funding
If you're doing an apprenticeship you'll get a one-off payment of £1,000. Your training provider pays this to you. GOV.UK has information about becoming an apprentice Go to https://www.gov.uk/apprenticeships-guide (opens new window).
Free meals
Some post 16 students can get free meals. Talk to your college to see if you can get this.
Higher education
You can get support and guidance about going into higher education from:
- your school or college
- your training provider
- Propel - Become
- UCAS
- The HUB at the Beacon, supports care leavers up to the age of 25, including information about courses, open days, funding, accommodation and specific support from universities
If you apply for a course on UCAS, there's a box on the form to say that you've spent time in care. We encourage you to tick that box. It will give you access to the support the college or university you're applying to offers young people who've been in care.
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