winstanley college
Student Bursary Guidelines
What is the 16-19 Student Bursary?
The Student Bursary is to assist 16-19 year old students who face financial difficulties in continuing in full time education.The Bursary Fund is categorised as follows:-
1. The Guaranteed Bursary - A
If you are eligible for this type of Bursary you can get at least £1200 per year (£30.00 per week over 38 weeks).To be eligible you need to meet one of the following criteria:
· You are a young person in receipt of Income Support or Universal Credit in your own right.
· You are in care or are a care leaver
· A disabled young person receiving both Employment Support Allowance and Disability Living Allowance
Evidence will need to be supplied e.g. letters from the Local Authority, Social Worker, income support documents.
2. The Discretionary Bursary - B
If your household is receiving benefits or the household income is less than £16,190 you may be eligible to a weekly bursary payment of £10 over 38 weeks, or you may be issued with a transport pass if you use our private transport to travel to college. Proof of your household income is required.
If your household income is over £16190 we offer a reduced bursary or partially funded bus pass at the following rates (dependent on funding and number of applications):
Household Income less than… / Weekly Payment amount… / Parent Contribution to Bus Pass…£16,191 - £19,190 / £7.50 / £ 90.00
£19,191 - £22,190 / £5.00 / £180.00
£22,191 - £25,000 / £30 per term / £270.00
What is the income threshold?
To be eligible to apply for the Discretionary Bursary the total household income must be below £25,000.
Who will be eligible to apply for the Bursary Fund?
Students must be aged 16-18 on 31st August 2017. Students must be ‘ordinarily resident’ in the UK, for the last three years.
Will the Student Bursary be income assessed?
Yes, the Student Bursary will be assessed on household income of the person financially responsible for the student and with whom they live.
If the student lives independently or claims Income Support in their own right, only the student’s income will be assessed.
Evidence of Income
Evidence will need to be provided of income i.e. P60, current working tax credit award notice, benefit letters from DWP. Applications will not be considered without valid evidence.
When can I apply
You can apply at any time throughout the year depending on your circumstances.
Will payments be backdated once I have applied?
Payments will only be backdated if you apply before October half term.
How will you know if your application is successful?
The College will write to all applicants informing them of the outcome of their application.This will outline the level of assistance they will receive.
How will payments be made?
If you are awarded a weekly payment it will be made weekly by BACS. If you are awarded a bus permit as your award it will be organised by Student Services.
Are there any other conditions for receiving the Bursary Fund?
Any payments will be conditional on an attendance criteria of 95%, good behaviour and satisfactory academic progress.
What to do if you are not happy with the decision regarding your application
Applicants are able to appeal against any decision made regarding their application. Appeals should be made in writing outlining reasons for the appeal and sent to Conor Edwards – Director of Finance and Resources at the College.
Changes in circumstances
You will be required to inform the Bursary Fund Administrator of any changes in your financial situation.
Data Protection
Any data supplied will be protected by the Data Protection Act 1998.
Confidentiality
Applications and evidence of income are only seen by staff involved in the delivery of the Student Bursary Scheme.
Information
If you require any further information please contact the Finance Department at the College at .
Applications forms can be completed on your computer or by hand, but must be submitted as a signed hard copy in order to satisfy our financial regulations.
Bursary Fund Q&A 2017-2019