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Bursary Fund

St. Mary's College recognises that with the removal of EMA, the Bursary has an important role to play in removing barriers to some students accessing and completing Further Education courses.

16-19 Bursary Fund

The Bursary Fund is designed to help support those young people who face the greatest barriers to continuing in education or training post 16. This new scheme has replaced the Educational Maintenance Allowance (EMA).

 

The 16-19 Bursary fund has two elements

Priority Groups -

£1,200 guaranteed bursary paid by the school to students in the most vulnerable groups being

  • Young people in care aged 16 and 17
  • Care leavers aged 16, 17 and 18
  • Young people in receipt of income support aged 16, 17 and 18
  • Disabled young people in receipt of Employment Support Allowance who are also in receipt of Disability Living Allowance

Discretionary Bursary -  

St. Mary's College will then award bursaries to students who face genuine financial barriers to participation in education to help with costs such as transport, meals, books and equipment. 

The level of support which the College can offer is dependent on the total funding received from the EFA (Education Funding Agency) and the numbers of applications it receives. The level of support offered may vary during the academic year and is dependent on the amount of funds available. On the basis of the College's EFA funding allocation for 2011/12: We will apply a family earnings threshold of £15000 per annum. Students will need to complete an application form and supply evidence of need or eligibility as appropriate before payments are made. Applicants will be advised during enrolment and induction of the method of payment and conditions of payment.

Payment may be withheld if the student does not comply with the College's expectations on:

  • Behaviour
  • Performance
  • Attendance

Any student who wishes to apply should contact
Mrs Lakhi, Bursary Manager at the College on (01254) 580464 or email  i.lakhi@stmarysblackburn.ac.uk for further information and an application form.
All applications will be treated confidentially.

 

The College will ensure compliance with the guidelines set out in the 16-19 Fund -
Guide for 2011/12 (YPLA June 2011).  

Residential Eligibility

An applicant must satisfy the residency criteria outlined in YPLA Funding Guidance.  

Status of Applicants

In determining the financial circumstances of applicants the incomes of a student's parents/carers are taken into account unless he/she should be treated as an independent student under the terms of the Education (Student Support) Regulations. Where a student satisfies the conditions for independent status, the income of a spouse or partner is taken into account in any means testing.  

Contingency Fund

The College retains a contingency reserve for unforeseen late applications and changes in financial circumstances.  

Payments

Bursary payments will be made on a monthly basis, paid via a bank transfer directly to the students account.

Applications and Appeals

Applications will be considered by the Finance Director/Bursary Manager. Appeals against unsuccessful applications must be made to the Principal (please see the Bursary Manager in the first instance to instigate this). Following the appeal, the Bursary Manager will communicate the outcome of the appeal to the student by letter. The Principal's decision is final.

Exceptional Circumstances 

Applications from students who are eligible for government funding, but whose household income is in excess of the stated threshold and are experiencing financial difficulty due to a significant and unexpected change in personal circumstances during their time at College, may be considered for the Bursary Fund.