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Sixth Form Financial Support

Free School Meals (FSM)

If students claimed FSM’s in high school, and circumstances have not changed then they will be able to claim again in Sixth Form but will have to re-apply each year. As a parent, if you are unsure if you are eligible, then click here for more information.

The FSM application form can be accessed via this link.

If in receipt of FSMs students can request a ‘Grab Bag’ 24 hours prior to needing it for when they are out on school trips. You can also apply for money from the 16-19 bursary fund. 


16-19 Bursary Fund

If you think that you may be eligible under one of the following categories, please fill in the relevant application form which will be available from September and should be returned to the sixth form as soon as possible and no later than Friday 30th September 2023 to be able to make the first payment date. Other applications will be accepted after this date but the payment dates and quantities may vary.

Vulnerable Bursary Fund (Priority 1)

The scheme guarantees bursary payments of £1,200 for 2021-22 to certain groups of students deemed most in need of financial support. You will be eligible for this bursary if you, the student, fall into one of the following categories:

  • Young people in care (looked after)
  • Young care leaver
  • Receiving Income Support, or Universal Credit because you are financially supporting yourself or financially supporting yourself and someone who is dependent on you and living with you such as a child or partner
  • Receiving Disability Living Allowance or Personal Independence Payments in your own right as well as Employment and Support Allowance or Universal Credit in your own right

Discretionary Bursary Fund Awards (Priority 2 and Priority 3)

Discretionary bursaries are targeted at students who cannot stay in education without financial help for things like transport, meals, books and equipment.

The balance of the school’s Bursary Fund allocation remaining, once all Priority 1 awards have been taken into account, will then be awarded discretionary bursary against the criteria, those students most in need of financial assistance to enable them to remain in full time education. Receipt of a Bursary will be conditional on the student meeting agreed targets set by the school including those related to effort and attendance.

  • Priority 2 – Students in receipt of Free School Meals will be eligible to receive a Bursary award of up to £900 for 2023-24.
  • Priority 3 – In the event of funding remaining within the school’s Bursary Fund allocation once all Priority 1 and 2 awards have been made, awards of up to £700 for 2023-24 will be made to students of families in receipt of tax credits with an additional household income of up to £20,817. This priority will be reviewed and if there is still funding available, the eligibility criteria will be changed to £25,521 and applications for this will then be looked over.


Priority 2 and 3 Bursaries will be in three instalments (November, February and May) and must be applied for by completing a ‘statement of expenditure’ available from the sixth form office.

If you are unsure about what to do or require any further information please do not hesitate to contact Mrs Braithwaite (Sixth Form Attendance and Transport Officer) on 01254 380527 or email sixthform@st-christophers.org