¾«¶«Ó°Òµ

16-19 Bursary Fund

If your family is on a low income or in receipt of benefits you may be eligible for financial assistance from the 16-19 Bursary Fund. This fund is provided by the government but is administered by schools and colleges who also set their own assessment and allocation criteria.

At ¾«¶«Ó°Òµ Deane’s we prioritise transport costs as these can often be substantial. Our aim is to cover all your transport costs if you qualify for support from the Bursary Fund, although we cannot guarantee this until we know how many applications we receive each year. We also aim to provide support with the cost of books and materials and trips and visits that are linked directly to your course.

The bursary application system is now open for the 2026/27 academic year for new students starting in September and for current students who will need to reapply for a bursary in Year 13.

Please read the guidance notes available below to help you with your application. If you are unable to use the online bursary application system or have any queries, please contact the finance department at the college or email bursary@sjbf.org.uk

16-19 Bursary Guidance 2026-27

Free College Meals

From the start of the 2026/27 academic year, all students from households in receipt of Universal Credit will be entitled to receive a free meal. Any transitional protection for free meals ends at the end of the 2025/26 academic year.  Therefore, to receive a free meal from September 2026, all students must meet the eligibility criteria even if they have previously received a free meal at school or at college.

16-19 Free Meal Guidance 2026-27

Student Opportunity Fund

We believe that every student deserves the chance to thrive – regardless of their financial background. The Student Opportunity Fund offers targeted financial support to help students access opportunities that enrich their education and personal development.

Whether it’s representing the college at national sporting events, attending international university interviews, or participating in life-changing trips and volunteering experiences, the Fund ensures that no student is held back by financial barriers. With a clear tiered assessment process, the Fund prioritizes support for disadvantaged students while remaining open to all who demonstrate need and ambition.

Former students can also apply to the fund, although priority will always be given to current students in the first instance. 

The Fund’s impact is already visible in the achievements of students who’ve competed internationally, pursued elite training, or accessed unique academic pathways.

Students can apply directly through the online form, which is available via the Student Hub on Microsoft Teams or via the link below. Students should provide details about the  opportunity and their financial need.