The 16 to 19 Bursary Fund is intended to help eligible students overcome specific financial barriers so they can remain in education. The fund is split into two types of bursary:

• Vulnerable Student Bursary
• Discretionary Bursary.

Both types are designed to meet the essential costs of participation, such as paying for school travel and purchasing essential books and equipment. 

The Vulnerable Student Bursary is paid to students in the following defined vulnerable groups:

• In care
• Care leavers
• Receiving Income Support or Universal Credit – in their own name
• Receiving Disability Living Allowance or Personal Independence Payments in addition to Employment and Support Allowance or Universal Credit – in their own name.

The Discretionary Bursary is paid to students experiencing financial difficulty. The main criterion employed by the Academy is gross household income, with funds awarded to students who can demonstrate a gross household income of £28,000 or less, though a range of factors besides gross household income will be considered.

Further information, including full details of the eligibility criteria for the two types of bursary, can be found in the BOA 16 to 19 Bursary Policy attached below. For both types of bursary, the amount of funding awarded (up to a maximum of £1,200 for the Vulnerable Student Bursary, and up to a maximum of £950 for the Discretionary Bursary) will reflect actual financial need.

16 to 19 Bursary applications for the 2026-27 academic year will open on 21 August 2026 and should be made via Applicaa, ideally by 30 September 2026 to allow enough time for the Academy to assess the overall level of demand and make awards for the year on a fair basis. However, it is understood that students’ circumstances may change; therefore, the application process will remain open throughout the academic year. If making a late application (i.e. after 30 September 2026), please notify Dr S May (Assistant Principal): simon.may@boa-academy.co.uk.

Likewise, please contact Dr S May if you have any questions regarding the 16 to 19 Bursary or require any support with the application process (including any requests for a paper application form).

Alternative support – for your awareness:

• From September 2026, eligibility for Free School Meals (FSM) has been expanded to include all children in households that receive Universal Credit, regardless of household earnings. This means that some students who are ineligible for the Discretionary Bursary may qualify for FSM, which takes the form of a daily discount at the BOA canteen. Details of how to apply and/or confirm eligibility for FSM can be found here.