St Mary’s Catholic School  is able to offer help students with the cost of studying. The bursary fund is available for 16-19 year olds in full time education.

There are two types of bursary available, a Vulnerable Bursary and Discretionary Bursary.

Vulnerable Bursary

If you fall into one of the following categories, then you fall into the higher priority group and will receive a Vulnerable Bursary to help with the cost of studying:
•You are in or recently left local authority care
•You get Income Support or Universal Credit in your own name
•You get Disability Living Allowance (DLA) in your own name and either Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) or Universal Credit (UC)
•You get Personal Independence Payment (PIP) in your name and either Employment and Support Allowance or Universal Credit (UC)

We do require original evidence from external agencies, key worker/social worker or evidence of benefit in your own name.

Discretionary Bursary

If you live at home with your parent(s) or carer(s) who receive benefits you fall into the lower priority group and MAY be eligible for financial help from the Discretionary Fund.

You may also get help from the Discretionary Bursary Fund if you are a young carer, or have an Educational Health and Care Plan (EHCP).

Discretionary Bursaries that institutions award to meet individual needs. For example, trips, meals, books and equipment.

Other – Based on household income being under £25,000 – this includes whatever your family receives (salary, pension, benefits and or tax credits 2023/2024) on an annual basis. Evidence will be required to support this. Students eligible for this may receive termly payments plus other payments for example, to support travel costs, contributions to residential trips etc.

Students will also need to meet the school's behaviour, attendance and punctuality expectations in order to receive payment.

Sixth Form students can download the Bursary Form below.  Please return completed forms to Miss McHugh Interim Headteacher with any supporting documentation all completed application forms, the original Tax Credit Award Notice (showing the household income for 2023/2024) and any other supporting evidence need to be submitted with the application. 

For more information about the 16-19 Bursary Fund can be found on the government website please click here.