The 16 to 19 Bursary provides financial support to help students overcome the specific financial barriers to participation they face so they can remain in education.

There are 2 types of 16 to 19 bursaries:

• bursaries for defined vulnerable groups
• discretionary bursaries which institutions award using policies they set, in line with funding rules set out by the Education and Skills Funding Agency

The defined vulnerable groups are students who are:

• in care or care leavers
• receiving Income Support, or Universal Credit because they are financially supporting themselves or financially supporting themselves and someone who is dependent on them and living with them such as a child or partner
• receiving Disability Living Allowance or Personal Independence Payments in their own right as well as Employment and Support Allowance or Universal Credit in their own right

Other students might be eligible to receive support from the discretionary bursary. Robert Smyth Academy bases all decisions about which students receive a discretionary bursary and how much bursary they receive on each student’s individual circumstances and their actual financial need. These will vary from student to student, depending on, for example, their household income, the distance they need to travel to the institution and the requirements of their study programme.

How to apply

• Please complete the application form here: https://forms.office.com/r/HzyjE8ssWG 
• The application form asks for details of household income, which state benefits are claimed if any and anticipated expenditure relating to the students’ programme of study. Documents to support your application will also be required.
• A new application needs to be made each academic year.
• If you have any questions about the bursary scheme, please see Mr Luhrs or email gluhrs@robertsmyth.tgacademy.org.uk

The support available

We have asked subject leaders to outline the costs associated with their courses and aim to cover some of these costs for eligible students. All bursary awards are based on the needs of individuals and so these might vary from student to student. Typical bursary awards will cover:

• Textbooks, materials and equipment
• The loan of IT equipment such as laptops
• Travel costs
• Trips that directly enhance studies

The amount of funding the Academy receives for the 16 – 19 bursary varies each year so the level of support provided to each student will fluctuate.

Please contact Student Services for further details regarding Free School Meals.