16-19 Bursary
The Deepings Sixth Form – Use of 16–18 Bursary Funding
The Deepings Sixth Form will use 16–18 Bursary Funding to support eligible students who would otherwise face financial barriers to participating fully in their education. Funding may be awarded to assist with essential costs directly related to a student’s study programme, including travel to and from school, essential books, equipment, specialist clothing, educational visits that are a compulsory part of the course, and other necessary participation costs.
All bursary applications will be assessed individually each academic year. Awards will be based on a student's personal circumstances, demonstrated financial need, household income (where applicable), and the actual costs they incur in accessing education. The Deepings Sixth Form will not make blanket, fixed-rate, or automatic payments to groups of students based solely on income levels, benefit entitlement, or membership of a particular category. Instead, each application will be considered on its own merits to ensure that support reflects genuine need and actual participation costs.
The Deepings Sixth Form may retain a small contingency fund to support students whose circumstances change unexpectedly during the year and whose ability to continue in education may be affected. Evidence of financial need, participation costs, and expenditure will be obtained and retained in line with audit requirements.
Bursary funding will not be used to support general living costs, household expenses, learning support services, extra-curricular activities that are not essential to a student's study programme, attendance incentives, achievement rewards, or any provision that would give The Deepings Sixth Form a competitive advantage over other institutions. Any expenditure must be directly linked to enabling the student to access and participate in their education.
The Deepings Sixth Form will manage bursary awards responsibly and within the funding available, ensuring that all decisions are fair, transparent, evidence-based, and compliant with Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA) bursary guidance.
