16-19 College Bursary Fund
The 16-19 College Bursary scheme is open to applicants throughout the academic year. The College uses the 16-19 Bursary fund to provide financial help to students from low-income households who are experiencing genuine hardship in relation to studying; this is carried out in strict accordance with the guidelines outlined by the EFA.
Who can apply?
Priority (Vulnerable) Bursary
If you are under 19 on 31st August 2026 and in one of the following categories:
- a young person in local authority care, e.g. children’s home, foster care
- a care leaver – leaving local authority care, e.g. children’s home, foster care
- a young person in receipt of Income Support in their own right
- a disabled young person in receipt of Employment Support Allowance and Disability Living Allowance.
…you may be eligible for a bursary of up to £1200* a year for courses of 30 weeks.
Discretionary Bursary
If you are under 19 on 31st August 2026 and:
- living in a household where the income is below £30,000
- enrolled onto a full time programme of FE learning.
…you may be eligible for a bursary.
Details of the evidence required to support an application are found on the bursary application form.
Transport Bursary
The Transport Bursary is available to students qualifying for the General Bursary to meet the costs of a bus pass if the student lives outside a 2 mile radius of college.
Targeted Bursary
The Targeted Bursary offers financial support for students who are in care, a care leaver, in receipt of income support or disabled and in receipt of Employment and Support Allowance and Disability Living Allowance. For eligible students the award provides funding to the value of £1,200 per year (£120 over ten months).
What can the bursary be used for?
Bursary payments are intended to help towards the costs associated with continuing your education including travel, meals and equipment.
When can I apply?
You can apply now. Here's the information and application forms you need.
Deadline for applications to be back dated to the start of term will be Friday 9th October 2026
Vikas Agrawal Maths Bursary
Vikas Agrawal was an exceptional student at The English Martyrs Sixth Form College. He was an outstanding mathematician. After leaving, Vikas had an illustrious career and in his memory, his family have set up the bursary scheme to inspire future mathematicians to do the same.
Bursaries up to the value of £500 per year of study are available to the brightest and the best mathematicians in order for you to study Mathematics A Level at The English Martyrs Sixth Form College.
Two Vikas Agrawal Bursaries will be awarded each year – each to the total value of £500. These will be paid in 2 x £500 instalments at the end of each successful year of study.
Read more about the bursary here
Free School Meals
Could you be eligible for free school meals?
From September 2026 all children from households receiving Universal Credit will be entitled to receive a free school meal. This change has been introduced through the Children's Wellbeing and Schools Act 2026. There will now be two categories of Free School Meals: 1) Targeted FSM - for families receiving Universal Credit with annual household earnings of £7,400 or less. These pupils will continue to receive a free school meal and will also receive other benefits within school 2) Expanded FSM - for families receiving Universal Credit with household earnings above £7,400. These pupils will be entitled to a free school meal only. We strongly urge parents to apply, if you meet the criteria above: Apply Here for Free School Meals
The government have also confirmed that transitional protections will no longer apply from September 2026. This means families will need to continue meeting eligibility criteria, each academic year to be eligible for free school meals. All families must check eligibility annually from September 2026. You can check eligibility using the link above.
Care to Learn
If you are a parent, and are the main carer, and under 20 at the start of your course you may be eligible for help with childcare costs while you study.
This is a government scheme and is not administered by the College. Please click here for more information.