Staying in education at 16–18 has costs - travel, equipment, trips. The 16 to 19 Bursary Fund is there to help. Here’s how it works.
If you’re 16 to 18 and staying in education, the 16 to 19 Bursary Fund can help with the costs of taking part - things like travel, essential books and equipment, and specialist clothing. There are two types: a vulnerable bursary of up to £1,200 a year for students in defined groups (such as those in care or care leavers, or on certain benefits), and a discretionary bursary that your school or college awards from its own fund based on need. Apply through your provider - they run the scheme and decide discretionary awards.
This is plain-English guidance for England, based on official gov.uk, Ofqual and National Careers Service information. Every school, sixth form and college runs its own admissions and enrolment, so for the decision that applies to you, speak to the provider directly - they can often help far more than a general rule suggests.
Eligibility is broadly for students aged 16 or over but under 19 at the start of the academic year. The fund is meant to remove money as a barrier to staying in education - so if cost is a worry, ask.
Source: gov.uk: 16 to 19 Bursary Fund · gov.uk: 2026–27 bursary guide.
The bursary isn’t only for a small group - alongside the up-to-£1,200 vulnerable bursary, most providers run a discretionary fund for students who need help with travel, equipment or other course costs. It’s applied for through your provider, so the key move is simply to ask.
Government funding, run by schools and colleges, to help 16–18-year-olds with the costs of staying in education - such as travel, books, equipment and specialist clothing. Source: gov.uk ↗
Up to £1,200 a year if you’re in a defined vulnerable group; otherwise a discretionary amount set by your school or college based on need. Amounts vary. Source: gov.uk ↗
Commonly travel to your course, essential books and equipment, specialist clothing, some trips, and in some cases childcare or placement costs. Ask your provider what theirs covers. Source: gov.uk ↗
Through your school or college’s bursary or student-support team - ask at enrolment or as soon as you can. It’s worth asking about free meals eligibility too. Source: gov.uk ↗
Sort the money side alongside the other results-day admin for parents.
GCSE results & Child Benefit →What are my options after GCSEs? →Last checked August 2026. This is a plain-English summary of official guidance; always check the linked Ofqual, JCQ and exam-board pages for the definitive rules, which can change.
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