The bursary is available to those enrolling, or who have already enrolled onto a HLC funded programme to help  financial remove financial barriers. The bursary can be awarded to help with travel expenses, meals, books, equipment, or specialist clothing, such as protective overalls, for example.

Bursary categories:

FREE MEALS – £2.66 per day

Households who are in receipt of Universal Credit will receive a bursary payment for Free School Meals of £2.66 per day of attendance. This payment is based on the learner actually attending their programme.

For example:

• If your young person is expected to attend 3 days per week but attends only 2 days, they will receive the payment for 2 days only.
• If they attend all 3 days, they will receive the payment for all 3 days.
• They MUST attend both the AM and PM session to receive the free meals allowance.Bursary payments are linked directly to attendance for Free meals. Not included in the Free meals bursary are bus tickets, In addition to the free meals bursary, you can claim either of the bursaries below if you meet the criteria.

DISCRETIONARY BURSARY – TOP UP TO £4.00 PER DAY (dependant on household income) 

Some households may be eligible for a Discretionary Bursary, depending on total household income to top up the £2.66 per day. The income thresholds are –

Household income below £16,190

Young people with a total household income of less than £16,190 may be eligible to apply for a Discretionary Bursary Award, including where Free School Meals are claimed through the Local Authority.

Household income between £16,190 and £25,800

Young people with a total household income between £16,190 and £25,800 may also be eligible to apply for a Discretionary Bursary Award. Where eligible, this can top up the standard £2.66 per day payment to £4.00 per day.

Eligibility will be assessed based on the information and evidence provided with the bursary application.

Subject to eligibility and approval, bursary funding may also be used to support essential costs such as bus fares/travel to and from education.

VULNERABLE BURSARY

There is also a Vulnerable Bursary available for young people who meet specific eligibility criteria. For example, this can include young people who are:

• • • • A young person in care
      • A young person receiving certain disability-related benefits
      • A young person who meets other qualifying vulnerable learner criteria as detailed on the application form

Please read the Vulnerable Bursary section of the application form in full to see whether your young person meets any of the criteria.

If you believe your young person may qualify, please ensure the relevant section is completed and the required evidence is provided.

Bursary funding will also be used to support essential costs such as:

• Bus fares/travel to and from education
• Other agreed essential costs that support the learner’s participation in their programme