Bursary

Ashton Sixth Form College’s 16-19 Bursary fund can help 16-19* year olds where they may struggle financially.

In order to be entitled to the 16-19 Bursary, students must meet a range of criteria. Examples of the various categories are listed below. 

Category A

Students who are Looked After Children (in care), care leavers or on a special Guardianship Order, those who are on Income Support or Universal Credit(UC) Payment in their own name, and those registered as disabled and in receipt of Employment Support Allowance or UC and Disability Living Allowance/Personal Independence Payment.

Category B

Students from households with a gross annual income (inclusive of any benefits/tax credits) of less than £30,000 are likely to be awarded a bursary, but students from households where the gross annual income is up to around this figure are welcome to apply. Students who fall near the threshold are advised to apply as we constantly review the bursary. We require as evidence your FULL up to date letter from DWP and 2024 P60 or P45 where applicable confirming annual income and allocation of tax credits and all benefits claimed. Full Universal Credit statements from the past 6 months if applicable.

Discretionary bursary

This bursary is open for all 16-19* year olds to apply for and is granted normally on household income; however other exceptional circumstances will be considered.

*Students must be aged under 19 years on the 31st August in the academic year that they start the courses. 

Students who are experiencing significant financial hardship due to current/changed circumstances or with an exceptional situation can apply at absolute discretion and can seek help from the bursary officer at any time.

 

Applying for a bursary

Bursary Guidance

Application Form

Before making your application, it is important that you read the Bursary guidance notes which are available to view above.

Please send your complete bursary form with all supporting documents to: The Bursary Office, Ashton Sixth Form College, Darnton Road, Ashton under Lyne. OL6 9RL.

We are currently accepting forms now. 

Free College Meals Application Form is incorporated in the Bursary Application Form and proof from high school or benefits is required to action this.

For more information regarding the Bursary, please contact h.l.b.wilcox@asfc.spt.ac.uk.

To qualify for free meals students must be in receipt of, or have parents/ guardians who are in receipt of, one or more of the following benefits:

  • Income Support
  • Income-based Jobseekers Allowance
  • Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)
  • Support under part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999
  • The guarantee element of State Pension Credit
  • Child Tax Credit (provided they are not entitled to Working Tax Credit) and have an annual gross income of no more than £16,190, as assessed by HMRC
  • Working Tax Credit run-on - paid for 4 weeks after you stop qualifying for Working Tax Credit
  • Universal credit with net earnings not exceeding the equivalent of £7,400 pa
  • Free School Meals in School

This is given as a separate payment on college ID cards on a use it or lose it basis daily. The amount awarded will be communicated once applications have been successfully approved. Depending on allocated funding, we can also award a discretionary amount to students who aren’t eligible for Free College Meals. This will be communicated once all applications are received.