16-19 BURSARY

The 16 to 19 Bursary Fund provides financial support to help Sixth Form students overcome specific financial barriers to participation so they can remain in education. There are two types of 16 to 19 bursaries:

• A vulnerable bursary for young people in one of the defined vulnerable groups
• A DISCRETIONARY BURSARY WHICH INSTITUTIONS AWARD TO MEET INDIVIDUAL NEEDS, FOR EXAMPLE, HELP WITH THE COST OF TRANSPORT, MEALS, BOOKS AND EQUIPMENT.

WHO IS ELIGIBLE?

Vulnerable Student Bursary

To be eligible for the vulnerable bursary, students must be in one of the defined vulnerable groups:

• You’re in or you recently left local authority care
• You get Income Support or Universal Credit because you’re financially supporting yourself
• You get Disability Living Allowance (DLA) in your name and either Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) or Universal Credit
• You get Personal Independence Payment (PIP) in your name and either ESA or Universal Credit.

Discretionary Bursary

Distribution of this element of the funding is at the discretion of High Storrs School and will be targeted towards young people facing the greatest financial barriers to participation.

If eligible, the amount of financial assistance you will receive is dependent on your personal circumstances. It is intended to help you with the costs of overcoming any barriers you may have when attending learning. This might include: essential study materials including stationery; essential textbooks not provided by school; course related activities and visits; UCAS application fee. School will provide such materials and equipment.

Eligibility for the discretionary bursary will be based upon students’ financial need and will be limited to those who are in receipt of free school meals. Free meals are targeted at disadvantaged students. Free meals in further education defines disadvantage as students being in receipt of, or having parents 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 £17,005, as assessed by Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs (HMRC)
• Working Tax Credit run-on – paid for 4 weeks after someone stops qualifying for Working Tax Credit
• During the initial roll out of the benefit, Universal Credit .

A student is only eligible to receive a free meal when they, or a parent/guardian on their behalf, have made a successful application to Sheffield City Council. If you feel you will be eligible for the 16 to 19 Discretionary Bursary you will need to apply for Free School Meals first.

PASTORAL SUPPORT

Pastoral Care is fundamental at High Storrs to develop students’ health and wellbeing, build individual resilience and enhancing academic achievements. The Sixth Form team strives to ensure that all pupils feel included, valued and supported.

Our strong Form Tutor team plays a vital role in ensuring that all students are happy, healthy and able to make the most of all opportunities available to them.

Dedicated Student Support Assistants work full time to further enhance student wellbeing and provide practical support when needed. We understand that difficulties do sometimes occur and we work collaboratively with students, parents and other agencies to resolve issues and support students.

The Sixth Form Pastoral System is supported in the following ways:

• Assemblies are regularly held with the Director and Deputy Director of Sixth Form providing important information and advising students of opportunities available to them within and outside school.
• Tutorial sessions every Monday during Period 1 provide a forum for gaining and developing knowledge and understanding on a range of issues affecting young adults and Sixth Form students. These sessions also support students during the Y13 UCAS process and alternatives to university applications.
• Our pastoral system is focused on creating happy and confident individuals. Emotional needs are supported as much as possible, in co-operation with students, families and other parties. Help is available from the School Nurse for health and medical concerns, Student Support Assistants, Learning Mentors and outside agencies as required.

Whilst every effort is made to support our students, some students may experience difficulties that we are not fully equipped to deal with and may require health professionals' intervention. If you feel your child requires additional support we would strongly recommend that you seek the advice of your doctor to discuss your concerns as soon as possible.