This information relates to schemes in England only as different arrangements apply in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Each scheme has specific eligibility requirements – you will need to check whether you qualify.
16-19 Bursary Fund
The 16-19 Bursary Fund provides financial support to help 16- to 19-year-olds continue in education, where they might otherwise struggle for financial reasons. It is made up of bursaries worth £1200 a year for the most vulnerable young people and a discretionary fund for schools, colleges, academies, training providers and local authorities (providers) to distribute to other students who face genuine barriers to participation. The 16-19 Bursary Fund is administered locally by providers, and information for young people who want to apply for financial support is available from providers’ student support services.
Post-16 Transport
Local authorities have a legal duty to publish an annual Transport Policy Statement setting out the arrangements they consider necessary to ensure the cost and availability of transport to school or college is not a barrier to young people participating in further education.
Care to Learn
Care to Learn provides financial support for childcare to all parents in England who are under 20 when they start a course. Care to Learn can pay for childcare and reimburse students' related travel costs while they learn. The maximum amount that can be claimed is £175 a week in London and £160 a week elsewhere. Childcare payments are made direct to the childcare provider. The childcare must be Ofsted-registered, and if it is provided by a relative then they must live in a separate household to the child and be providing care for other children too.
Residential support
If you want to study a specialist course at a residential college, or a subject not available at a school or college in your local area, then you may be able to get help with the costs of studying away from home.
Dance and Drama Awards
Dance and Drama Awards (DaDA) provide support for students to enable them to attend specialist private dance and drama schools. Awards are granted to students who demonstrate, at audition, that they are the most talented and likely to succeed in the industry. The amount of support for fees and maintenance that new DaDA students starting in September 2013 receive will be based on an assessment of family income, so the help is received by those students who need it most.
