Information for all 16-19 providers and academies with sixth forms
There are two schemes currently offering support with accommodation costs for students.
The Residential Bursary Fund (RBF) is intended to provide financial support towards the costs of accommodation for young people attending one of 45 designated providers of specialist provision, where their course requires a residential element. The Residential Support Scheme (RSS) provides financial support with accommodation costs for learners aged between 16 and 18, who need to live away from home to study because their course is not available locally.
We have updated the Residential Support Scheme and Residential Bursary Fund guides for the 2012/13 academic year. These documents supersede any previous versions and are aimed at schools, colleges, academies, other providers, local authorities, and other individuals supporting young people, who are involved in the administration of these schemes.
Further details of the schemes can be found on our residential support page.
2012/13 application packs for Residential Support Scheme are also now available to order. Students can request an application pack by calling the Learner Support helpline on 0800 121 8989. Providers and other organisations working with young people can order a number of packs to distribute to students from Prolog by calling 0845 602 2260 or emailing learnersupport@prolog.co.uk, quoting the reference number: EFA-RSS-2012/13.
Students must be aged 16 and under 19 on 31 August 2012 to be eligible for the Residential Support Scheme in 2012/13. Students aged 19 and over at the start of the 2012/13 academic year are not eligible for help from the Residential Support Scheme but should apply for support from the Residential Access Fund, part of the Discretionary (19+) Learner Support funding allocated directly to colleges and training providers.
If you have any questions on the Residential Support Scheme, providers can contact the Learner Support Service helpline on 0845 600 7979. Queries on the Residential Bursary Fund should be sent to residentialsupport.EFA@education.gsi.gov.uk.
