Bursary and Free College Meals

Bursary Fund

There are two types of bursary, the Discretionary Bursary and the Defined Vulnerable Groups Bursary, the funds from both of these bursaries will typically be used by the College for:

• Educational books and equipment essential to students’ specific courses
• Food whilst at College
• Trips and visits that are essential to a student’s programme of study
• Travel to or from College, where the eligible student does not already receive free travel (all eligible students are expected to apply for a 16-18 or 18+ Oyster Photocard)
• Industry or work-related placement costs
• Authorised university visits (e.g. university interviews, residentials, taster sessions)
• Digital device loan, such as an iPad or laptop

The full Bursary and Free College Meals Policy for 2025-26 should be read in full before applying.

Discretionary Bursary

Google application form (You MUST be signed into your College Google account to be able to complete it): https://forms.gle/mkb9MXcstfuY5jFT8

General bursary and free college meals application form for most students.

• For eligible learners with a household income of £30,000 or less (household income includes Universal Credit, Working Tax Credit and Child Tax Credits, but does not include Housing Benefit or childcare costs).

Defined Vulnerable Groups Bursary

Application form (you MUST be signed into your College Google account to be able to complete it): https://forms.gle/PgUb4pqFMiAZ2GaZ9

Applicants must be under 19 and in one of the following defined groups:

• In care or a care-leaver who is in financial need
• In receipt of Universal Credit because they are financially supporting themselves and anyone who is dependent on them and living with them, such as a child or a partner;
• young person in receipt of both Universal Credit and Disability Living Allowance/Personal Independence Payments.

Free College Meals

All students who are eligible for either the Discretionary Bursary or the Defined Vulnerable Groups Bursary, will receive free college meals, up to a value of £4 per day, which is added onto your ID Card each day to spend in the College canteen. This re-sets each day. Completion of a Bursary Application Form is required for free college meals eligibility to be considered.

Care to Learn

Students who are young parents can apply to the Care to Learn scheme.

There are no tuition fees chargeable to full-time students from within the European Union for those under 19 years of age on 1st September 2025.