A key priority for the Government is to close the gap in attainment between those from poorer and more affluent backgrounds, and to ensure every young person participates in and benefits from a place in 16 to 19 education or training.
The £180 million 16 to 19 Bursary Fund targets support towards the most financially disadvantaged 16 to 19 year olds - those who most need help with the costs of staying on.
The Bursary Fund has two elements:
- The most vulnerable young people – young people in care, care leavers, those on Income Support or Universal Credit and disabled young people in receipt of both Employment Support Allowance and Disability Living Allowance (or Personal Independence Payment) receive yearly bursaries of £1,200.
- The rest of the fund is awarded on a discretionary basis by institutions. Institutions decide how to use this funding and can award discretionary bursaries to any student that is facing genuine financial barriers to participating.
Institutions are free to determine the eligibility criteria for discretionary bursaries, and the frequency of and conditions for payments for all awards; subject to the requirements of the Equality Act 2010 and the information published on this page.
Information for institutions 2013 to 2014
The Education Funding Agency has published updated information to help institutions set-up and administer their local Bursary Fund schemes in the 2013 to 2014 academic year:
- The 16 to 19 Bursary Fund Guide for 2013 to 2014 - provides an overview of the general rules and principles underpinning the use of the fund;
- The 16 to 19 Bursary Fund Questions and Answers for 2013 to 2014 - is a reference document for providers looking for answers to specific and more detailed questions; and
- The 16 to 19 Bursary Fund examples of good practice for 2013 to 2014 - provides practical examples of institutions using the fund to develop their own innovative schemes.
- Together, these three documents form a suite of references to help providers to administer the funding in 2013 to 2014.
Existing information covering the current academic year will remain on this this page until August 2013.
Allocations for 2013 to 2014
In the 2013 to 2014 academic year, institutions will receive 16 to 19 Bursary Fund allocations for discretionary bursaries only. The funding for vulnerable student bursaries will be held centrally by the Learner Support Service and institutions will draw down funding on demand (explained in detail in paragraphs 17 and 18 of the guidance).
All institutions were notified of their 16 to 19 Bursary Fund discretionary allocation in March 2013. The funding is for institutions to manage at their own discretion, but in line with the information published on this page.
Management Information returns for 2012 to 2013 and 2013 to 2014
Institutions will need to submit an end of 2012 to 2013 year management information (MI) return and an end of 2013 to 2014 year MI return. Details of how institutions can submit this information will be provided separately.
Audit requirements for 2013 to 2014
Administration and allocation of bursaries will be subject to the institution’s normal governance and audit regimes. Bursary funds are also subject to assurance as part of the normal assurance arrangements for 16 to 19 education and training.
Institutions should take note of the audit guidance available on the Department for Education website.
Information for young people
The 16 to 19 Bursary Fund is administered by schools, colleges and training providers. Young people should apply directly to their place of study for support from the fund. Young people can find out more information about the funding from the document: 16 to 19 Bursary Fund - your questions answered: 2013 to 2014.
Contact details
Education Funding Agency (EFA)
Email: 1619bursaryfund.EFA@education.gov.uk
