Blog | What Educational Financial Support Is Available for 16–19 Year Olds?

Starting college or sixth form is an exciting step, but it can also bring new costs. Travel, meals, books, equipment and even childcare can all add up quickly. The good news is that financial help is available for many students aged 16 to 19, designed to ensure money does not become a barrier to learning.

This guide explains the two main types of support you may be able to access: the 16–19 Bursary Fund and Care to Learn (C2L).

The 16–19 Bursary Fund

The 16–19 Bursary Fund supports students who need help with essential education-related costs. It is not a loan, so you do not have to pay it back, but it is means-tested and based on individual circumstances.

There are two parts to the bursary:

Vulnerable Learner Bursary (up to £1,200 per year)

You may qualify for this higher level of support if you are aged 16 to 18 and fall into one of the following groups:

• You are in care or a care leaver
• You receive Income Support or Universal Credit in your own right
• You receive Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) as well as Personal Independence Payment (PIP) or Disability Living Allowance (DLA) in your own right

If you meet one of these criteria and can provide the required evidence, you could receive up to £1,200 per academic year. The exact amount depends on your needs and the costs linked to your course.

Discretionary Bursary

If you do not meet the vulnerable learner criteria, you may still be able to apply for the Discretionary Bursary. This is aimed at students experiencing financial hardship.

Support is assessed using total household income (including wages and benefits). Households earning under £35,000 per year are normally eligible, with priority given to those on lower incomes.

Being eligible to apply does not guarantee an award, as bursary funds are limited. It is always best to apply as early as possible.

What Can the Bursary Help Pay For?

If your application is successful, the bursary can help cover essential costs related to your studies, including:

• College Meals
If you previously received free school meals and meet the eligibility criteria, you may receive a food allowance for each timetabled day at college. This is usually added directly to your college card.

• Travel Support
Help with travel may be available if you depend on someone with a taxable income below £16,190. In some cases, part or all of your termly travel costs can be refunded after applying through your local authority. Additional travel support may also be available for households earning up to £35,000 if travel is a barrier to learning.

• Essential Kit & Uniform
Some courses require specialist clothing or equipment. If your household income is below £35,000, the bursary can cover approved essential items. These are usually ordered on your behalf, so you should not buy them yourself unless advised.

• Books & Learning Materials
Any essential books needed to complete your course may be funded.

• Essential Trips
Trips that are required as part of your course can be covered by the bursary.

• Other Required Costs
Things like DBS checks or First Aid courses, which are compulsory for your studies, may also be included.

Attendance Matters

Bursary support is linked to commitment. To keep your funding, you are expected to attend regularly and behave appropriately.

If your overall attendance drops below 90%, or if your behaviour is considered unacceptable, your payments may be reduced or stopped altogether. Always let your college know if you are unwell or unable to attend.

Care to Learn (C2L): Support for Young Parents

If you are under 20 and have a child, you may be eligible for Care to Learn (C2L).

This government scheme helps young parents with childcare costs while they study. It can contribute towards:

• Registered childcare fees
• A childcare deposit (up to a set limit)
• Travel costs linked to childcare

Care to Learn is designed to help you stay in education while making sure your child is cared for safely. Applications are made alongside your college support process, and guidance is available if you need help completing the forms.

If you are over 20, different funding options may be available, but Care to Learn is specifically for students aged 19 or under when starting their course.

Important Things to Remember

• Bursary funds are limited, so apply as early as you can.
• Being eligible does not guarantee you will receive funding.
• Awards may not cover 100% of your costs.
• You must provide accurate financial information. Giving false details can result in funding being withdrawn.
• You usually cannot receive bursary support if you are on an apprenticeship, higher education course, or a leisure-only programme.

Next Steps

If you think you might be eligible for financial support, it is worth applying even if you are unsure. Help is there to make education more accessible, and many students receive support with everyday costs that could otherwise hold them back.

For further information, please call 01245 265611. Also, visit Chelmsford College's financial support page for more information and to submit your application.