The 16-19 Bursary Fund is paid by the Government to schools and colleges so that they may provide financial help to students. Discretionary Bursaries are awarded to meet individual needs – they are targeted at students who cannot stay in education without financial help for things like, transport, meals, books and equipment.
The fund is divided into two elements:
Vulnerable Groups - for young people in one of the defined groups
Discretionary Fund – A young person who has actual financial needs to overcome financial barriers to participate in education.
Students may apply multiple times during Year 12 or 13 for either fund.
Funds are limited and once spent, the fund will be closed.
The 25/26 application form is available by clicking here and should be completed and submitted.
The 26/27 application form is available by clicking here and should be completed and submitted,
If a subsequent application is made in year and there are no change of circumstances, applicants are not required to resubmit evidence.
The application cannot be processed without supporting evidence, Please e mail any of the relevant supporting evidence to the e-mail below.
E-mail supporting evidence to bursary@hernebayhigh.org
Students may apply for financial assistance which is directly linked to their education. For Example:
Please ask your son/daughter to speak with their subject teachers for guidance on equipment/books that may aid their learning. Please note as a school, we endeavour to provide all mandatory text books.
Free School Meals
In addition, - you may be eligible for Free School Meals - please complete the Kent County Council Online form. If you are in receipt of certain benefits or your household income is below £16190 you, and any school-age siblings, may be eligible for Free School Meals from Kent County Council. The online application form can be found by clicking here.
Any students already in receipt of FSM from KCC will continue to receive them until 31 March or until they leave school, whichever is soonest.
Students who meet the criteria are not automatically entitled to a bursary if they do not have any financial needs and/or their financial needs are covered from other sources.
If you fall under any of these categories and wish to apply for the Bursary Fund, please do complete the online application form.
Free School Meals Statement
We are committed to supporting students to succeed by ensuring access to nutritious meals during their studies.
Students aged 16–18 (and some aged 19+ in specific circumstances) may be eligible for free meals if they are enrolled on a full-time or part-time study programme and come from a household receiving qualifying benefits, including Universal Credit.
From 2026–2027 academic year, eligibility has been expanded so that all students from households receiving Universal Credit can apply for free meals.
Eligible students will receive a meal, or an allowance equivalent to at least £2.61 per day, for each day they attend their study programme.
To access this support:
We encourage all students who think they may be eligible to apply. Access to regular, healthy meals plays an important role in supporting wellbeing and academic success.
Fraud
Families and student must confirm that all information provided is true and must notify school if any circumstances change. The Free School Meal will be provided on the basis that certain conditions set by the DFE have been met and understand that money may be claimed back and eligibility withdrawn should they knowingly provide information which is discovered to be false.