Student Finance (Bursary & Free School Meals)
16–19 Bursary
The 16 to 19 Bursary Fund provides financial support to help students overcome the specific financial barriers to participation they face so they can remain in education. This policy should be read in conjunction with the government’s 16 to 19 bursary fund guide.
There are two types of 16 to 19 bursaries:
· Bursaries for defined vulnerable groups of up to £1,200 a year
· Discretionary bursaries which institutions award using policies they set, in line with the ESFA funding rules
Who is eligible for 16-19 Bursary Funding?
Eligibility criteria: all bursaries
For both types of bursary students must meet the eligibility criteria set out in paragraph 3 of the ESFA 16 to 19 Bursary Fund guide 2024 to 2025 academic year.
Eligibility criteria: bursaries for young people in defined vulnerable groups
For vulnerable groups bursary, students must meet the eligibility criteria set out in paragraph 4 of the ESFA 16 to 19 Bursary Fund guide 20234to 2025 academic year.
Eligibility criteria: discretionary bursaries
The ESFA permit institutions to set their own eligibility criteria for discretionary bursaries. In all instances, even where you meet the criteria below, the award is based on actual financial need. Students must explicitly set out their needs at application stage.
For full details, read our Bursary Policy for 2024-25 here.
If you can evidence financial need, here are some of the costs we could help you with:
Free School Meals
When you start at MV16 you will need to reapply to Leicestershire County Council if you were entitled at your previous school this will continue whilst we await formal confirmation of the entitlement. Use the link on the right hand side to make your application to Leicestershire County Council.