16 – 19 Bursary

The 16-19 Bursary Fund provides financial help for young people aged 16-19
who face barriers to staying in education. It is available to 16-19 year olds studying in colleges in England.

The 16 to 19 Bursary Fund provides financial support to help learners overcome specific barriers to participation so they can remain in education.

There are 2 types of 16 to 19 bursaries:

• bursaries for defined vulnerable groups of up to £1,200 a year
• discretionary bursaries which institutions award to meet individual needs, for example, help with the cost of transport, meals, books and equipment

Eligibility criteria

Age

To be eligible to receive a vulnerable bursary in the 2024 to 2025 academic year a learner must be aged 16 or over but under 19 at 31 August 2025.

Learners aged 19 or over are only eligible to receive a discretionary bursary if they are continuing on a study programme they began aged 16 to 18 (‘19+ continuers’) or have an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP).

For more information please see:

The Ridge Employability College 16 – 19 Bursary Guidance

If you are eligible for the 16 – 19 Bursary Fund please use the below application form and return this to Sharon Brookes at The Ridge Employability College:

The Ridge Employability College 16 – 19 Bursary Application Form 2024/2025

Please contact the College if you would like more information.

Bursary payment dates for 24/25 to be confirmed