Application process
The application form for the 16-19 Bursary is available on the school website. All 16-19 bursary fund applications should be submitted by email to bursary@rochestergrammar.org.uk or by hard copy to the school. All applications should be accompanied by evidence to support the information provided. All information provided will be kept confidential and will only be shared with the Bursary Committee.
A small amount of the Bursary Fund will be retained in order to support applications due to change in circumstances, and therefore in year applications will be accepted, but will only be awarded if there is sufficient funding available, and awards will reflect the contact time remaining in the school year.
Awards and payment of the 16-19 Bursary
The Bursary Committee will convene at the close of the day on the 16th September and on the 16th of each month thereafter to consider any late applications. This will consist of the Head of Sixth Form, the Executive Business Manager and the Bursary Co-ordinator. Awards will be granted based upon financial need, considering all information provided in the application, and considering the relative need of all applicants. The Committee will endeavor to notify students of the outcome of their application in writing in the following week.
As the 16 to 19 Bursary Fund is intended to provide financial support to help students overcome the specific financial barriers to participation they face so they can remain in education, any items purchased using the bursary should have a clear educational purpose. Any items requested that do not have this will be denied.
Payment will be made in kind, through direct ordering or purchasing of items on the students’ behalf. All items will be delivered to the school, and we will aim to do this within 5 working days of receipt of the full information.
Where students would like to purchase items directly and request reimbursement, it is advised to check with the Head of Sixth Form prior to purchase that the item will be authorised, as this is not guaranteed. Any claims for reimbursement must be accompanied by clear, valid proof of purchase, and the applicant should be aware that they may be asked to present the item in order to verify the purchase. In some instances only part reimbursement may be available. Requests for reimbursement should be made no longer than 2 months after the purchase was made. Reimbursement will be made via BACS payment into the student’s bank account.
Requests for direct ordering or for reimbursement must be made by the students in receipt of the bursary and can be made via the form available on the school website.
The Bursary Committee will set a cap for any large items (e.g. laptops) when they convene on the 16th September 2024 and this will be conveyed in the letter notifying students of their award. For the academic year 2023/2024 the cap was £550.
Authorisation of purchases / orders will initially be authorised by the Head of Sixth Form. The full Bursary Committee will be consulted on any items which are not authorised.
What can the bursary be used for?
The 16 to 19 Bursary Fund provides financial support to help students overcome the specific financial barriers to participation they face so they can remain in education. The 16-19 bursary may be used to purchase a range of items, including, but not limited to, the following:
- Reasonably priced items from the dress code, e.g. suits, school ties, school shoes.
- Public Transport Travel costs for getting to and from school*, work experience, or university visits**
- University applications
- Books required for courses or to support revision
- Graphical Display Calculators
- A laptop / tablet
- Educational School trips
- Repayment of funds spent in the canteen
- Stationery and supplies related to your courses
- Some contribution towards one off payments for CAS activities (for example, we might help pay the entry cost for a race but not gym membership – Please speak to the Head of Sixth Form for further information)
* Please note that if you intend to apply for a 16+ Travelcard and wish the cost to be covered by bursary, then your bursary application must be submitted at the same time as your Travelcard form.
** Please speak to Mrs Rivers, Principal’s PA, to book train tickets in advance for longer journeys.
Internal Appeals Process
Students have a right to appeal against a decision if they have evidence that the school has made a mistake and that they have behaved in accordance with the terms of the 16–19 Bursary Fund contract. Appeals should be made to Mrs C Brinklow (Principal) in the first instance. If a further appeal is to be requested then this will be heard by a Governor’s sub-committee of 2 members including: a school governor and a neutral member of staff.
Fraud
Where the Bursary Committee believes that a claim or application has been made fraudulently, or on the basis of information provided which is deemed to be false, access to the bursary fund may be withheld for a fixed period or withdrawn completely, and any money may be claimed back.
[1] Please see the Attendance Policy for further details available here: https://www.rochestergrammar.org.uk/about-our-school/policies/
[2] Please see the Behaviour for Learning policy for further details of the Code of Conduct and Sixth Form Agreement available here: https://www.rochestergrammar.org.uk/about-our-school/policies/
