You must:

• be at least 16 and under 19 on 31 August 2024

• study at a publicly funded* school or college, or be on an unpaid training course

• meet the residency requirements - your school or college can check this

*A publicly funded school is one that doesn’t charge you for attending it.

Vulnerable student bursary

You could get up to £1,200 if at least one of the following applies:

• you are in or have recently left local authority care

• you currently receive Income Support or Universal Credit because you are financially supporting yourself

• you currently receive Disability Living Allowance (DLA) in your name and either Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) or Universal Credit

• you currently receive Personal Independence Payment (PIP) in your name and either ESA or Universal Credit

You may get the full amount if you have expenses and study full-time on a course of at least 30 weeks.

A bursary is money that you, or your education or training provider, can use to pay for things like:

•  clothing, books and other equipment for your course

•  transport and lunch on days you study or train

This will depend on your personal circumstances. There are 2 types of 16 to 19 bursary.

Vulnerable student bursary

You could get a bursary worth up to £1,200, depending on your circumstances and benefits.

Discretionary bursary

You could get a discretionary bursary if you need financial help but do not qualify for a vulnerable student bursary. The College decides how much you can receive and what this bursary can be used to fund.

As a College we have specific criteria for discretionary bursaries. We will consider your individual circumstances which usually includes your family income.

You can also apply for a discretionary bursary if you’re over 19 and:

•  you are continuing on a course you started aged 16 to 18 (known as being a ‘19+ continuer’)

OR

•  you have an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP)

You will be instructed exactly what evidence you need on the application form, for example benefit letters.

This will be different for each individual student so please do seek support via email so we can ensure you have all the necessary documents.

Your application is not classed as completed until we have both the completed online application and all the supporting evidence asked for.

The College will decide how you receive your bursary. You might be:

•  paid in full or in installments

•  paid in cash, by cheque or through a bank account

•  given things like a travel pass, free meals or books instead of money

There is a possibility of no award, or a limited award. The College may decide that although eligible for a bursary because you are in one or more of the defined vulnerable groups, you do not have any actual financial need and so do not need support from the scheme. For example, your financial needs are already met and/or you have no relevant costs.

You will usually receive less than the full amount, or no bursary, if one of the following apply:

• your course is shorter than 30 weeks

• you study part time

• you have few expenses

If you fail to adhere to the expectations of Connell College, your bursary could be stopped at any time. Common causes for this are:

•  poor attendance

•  poor punctuality

•  failure to complete assessments

•  behaviour for learning issues

You need to complete an application form and provide any supported documents you are asked to supply.

Application forms are available via the student Google site from the just before the start of term.

Applications must be returned with all the correct documents by the second Friday of the new term. 

You will need to reapply for a bursary for each year of your course.

Email bursary@connell.ac.uk if you’re unhappy with a decision. Follow the complaints process if you can’t resolve the problem. This means you need to put in writing why you think the decision is unfair and why you think it should be reconsidered.

The Education and Skills Funding Agency does not usually get involved with appeals or complaints - you must use Connell’s appeals or complaints procedure.

You might be able to get more support if your circumstances change or you have an emergency. Email bursary@connell.ac.uk if you need extra help.