We are pleased to introduce the 16 to 19 Bursary Fund, which provides financial support to help Sixth Form students overcome specific financial barriers to participation in education. This funding aims to ensure that students can continue their studies post-16, regardless of their financial situation.

There are two types of 16 to 19 bursaries available:

A. Bursaries for Vulnerable Groups (as defined by the Department for Education)
B. Discretionary Bursaries

Both bursaries are designed to assist with essential costs related to education, such as travel to and from school, necessary books, equipment, or specialist clothing (e.g., protective overalls required for certain courses).

A. Bursaries for Vulnerable Groups

The following groups of students are eligible for this category:

• Students in care
• Care leavers
• Students receiving Income Support (IS) or Universal Credit (UC) because they are financially supporting themselves or someone who depends on them, such as a child or partner
• Students receiving Disability Living Allowance (DLA) or Personal Independence Payments (PIP), as well as Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) or Universal Credit (UC) in their own right

Definition of ‘Care Leaver’:
A “care leaver” is defined as:

1. A young person aged 16 or 17 who was looked after for at least 13 consecutive weeks (or a total of 13 weeks) starting after their 14th birthday and ending after their 16th birthday.
2. A young person aged 18 or over who was looked after for at least 13 consecutive weeks (or a total of 13 weeks) before turning 18, starting after their 14th birthday and ending after their 16th birthday.

If you believe you or your student may be eligible under this definition, please contact us at sixthform@kggs.org or call 01476 563017 to request an application form. All information and evidence provided will be treated with the utmost confidentiality.

B. Discretionary Bursaries

KGGS sets its own eligibility criteria for discretionary bursaries, although we must follow the guidelines set by the Department for Education.

Eligibility for discretionary bursaries is determined based on individual financial need, and awards are made on a case-by-case basis. The total amount awarded may vary depending on the circumstances, and we do not offer blanket or fixed-rate payments.

KGGS also maintains a small emergency fund to assist students who experience significant changes in their financial situation during the academic year.

If a student is awarded a discretionary bursary in Year 12, they may continue to receive funding in Year 13, provided there has been no significant change in their household's financial circumstances. In this case, students can submit a signed declaration (endorsed by a parent or guardian) to confirm that their situation remains the same.

New applications can be submitted at any time should financial circumstances change.

KGGS evaluates each application based on the evidence submitted. The required documentation is outlined on the application form. Please note that providing false or incomplete information may result in the student being removed from the bursary register, and any overpaid funds will be recovered.

Who Can Apply for a Discretionary Bursary?

KGGS considers two main groups for the discretionary bursary register:

• Group 1: Students from households with a total gross income of less than £30,000 per year. This includes the combined income of all adult members of the household, such as salary, benefits, or unearned income (e.g., savings, investments, rental income).
  Evidence required: P60, tax credit award letters, or three recent Universal Credit award statements (for applications made in September, statements for June, July, and August are required).
• Group 2: Students facing exceptional circumstances, such as caregiving responsibilities for relatives or having a large number of siblings. In such cases, the £30,000 threshold may be increased.

How Funds Are Distributed

Bursary funds are used to meet students’ specific needs as they arise, such as for transport (bus or train passes), essential books, specialist clothing, or costs associated with activities like educational visits or university open days. In most cases, these items will be purchased directly by the school on the student's behalf. Occasionally, students may need to purchase items themselves and be reimbursed, but prior approval and evidence of purchase are required.

Please note, bursary funds cannot be used for:

• Learning support (e.g., mentoring, extra tutoring, laptop repairs)
• Non-essential extracurricular activities
• Overseas field trips that are not integral to the student’s study programme
• General household expenses (e.g., rent, bills, internet costs)

How to Apply

To apply for the bursary, please request an application form by emailing sixthform@kggs.org or calling 01476 563017 (Sixth Form Pastoral Office). All evidence and applications will be treated in strict confidence.

Deadline for new bursary applications is the end of the second week in October.
Once applications have been assessed, a register of eligible students will be created, and each student will be notified of their inclusion. The confirmation letter will outline the attendance and attitude to learning requirements that students must meet to remain on the bursary register.

After confirmation, students should contact the finance department (above the school shop) or email finance@kggs.org whenever they need financial support.

 

Bus and Train Passes

If a student needs a bus or train pass before the start of the term in September, please ensure that the bursary application is submitted to Sixth Form Pastoral by the end of the school year in July. Once the form is submitted, please email finance@kggs.org with your request for the relevant pass, and the finance team will arrange it. For our new Year 12 students, passes will be issued after GCSE results day once their place has been confirmed.

Should you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us at sixthform@kggs.org.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the bursary for?

The bursary could help you with any education-related costs that may arise during the school year, including essentials such as books, formal dress; educational visits, clothing or equipment for your course, and transport to and from school.

Do I get a regular payment?

No. Once you have applied and are informed you are on the register, you will need to speak to finance or email them whenever you need money to pay for something that you need for school.

Can I purchase items that I need and then claim back the money?

Usually we ask that you tell finance what you need, and they will purchase it for you if it is agreed it is an appropriate use of bursary funds. If this is not possible you should get approval for the purchase before buying it and you will then be reimbursed.

Can my school take me off the bursary register for support if I don't attend or if I misbehave?

Yes. We can set conditions on your registration for bursary support. These are rules that you will need to stick to, such as attending classes regularly or trying hard at your studies. If you do not stick to these conditions, we can take you off the register. 

If I can't attend because of illness or an authorised absence, will I still be on the register for bursary support?

If you are ill or have been allowed an authorised absence, it will normally not affect your bursary support, but this is at the school's discretion.

Once I have received a bursary payment in Year 12 - do I need to apply again in Year 13?

No, you will remain on the register as long as you complete a declaration that your financial circumstances have not changed. If at any point during your studies, a lack of funding prevents you from completing them you should inform the school.

Will I get the same amount each year?

The fund will be used by the school to try to support students when they need it across the whole sixth form. The amount you receive will be governed by the amount the school has, the number of applicants, and the individual needs of those students throughout the year.

Will everyone know that I am getting bursary support?

No. We will make sure that you are not singled out in any way and that your application is handled confidentially.

Can a bursary reimbursement be made into anyone else's bank account?

Not normally, no. It is important that a student claiming a bursary has a bank account.

How do I know if I am eligible for Group 2 Special Circumstances support?

If you believe you may be eligible, please contact the Sixth Form Administrator, Support and Guidance Mentor or the Assistant Headteacher Post 16 Education and Welfare to discuss bursary support.

What if I have to pay a large amount for my bus pass for the full year in September?

If you have purchased a bus pass and then are found to be eligible for a bursary, the amount will be reimbursed to you. However generally, you should make your bursary application to the register before the end of the school term in July so that if your application is successful, it can be arranged for you to get your bus pass before the start of term in September.

Who do I see for help and advice or an application form?

See Mrs Singer - Sixth Form Administrator, Support and Guidance Mentor or contact her at sixthform@kggs.org or see Mrs Macpherson, Assistant Headteacher, Post 16 Education and Welfare.