Our 16-18 bursary is also open to applicants aged 19-24 who hold an Educational Health and Care Plan (EHCP). Students must hold a current EHCP and meet the other eligibility criteria.
Bursaries
Each year, the college distributes government funds provided to assist students who may be experiencing financial hardship. If a student’s application is accepted, the college will help with essential educational costs.
What can the bursary help with?
The bursary provides in-kind support, meaning the college will buy the items you need on your behalf, such as:
- Travel passes
- Free college meals
- Stationary
- Kit/uniform
- Essential trips
- Essential course materials.
Funding for the Discretionary Bursary is limited, and it is not an entitlement.
Eligibility
Eligibility
- 16-18 Discretionary Bursary
If you are aged 16-24, have an EHCP in place and are facing financial hardship, you may be eligible for a bursary. To be eligible for a student bursary, all criteria below must apply:
- Aged 16-24 on 31 August at the start of your course
- Have an EHCP in place
- Your household income must be less than £29,000 net (2025-2026 income limit).
This total household income is calculated inclusive of benefits received, such as Universal Credit, Net take-home pay from employment and self-employment, and any rent paid on your behalf through housing benefit or Universal Credit. Disability Living Allowance (DLA) and Personal Independence Payment (PIP) are not considered when calculating household income.
Not sure if you are eligible? If you don’t qualify for our bursary, we will always try to direct you to other sources of support.
To apply, please visit our bursary application page.
- Travelling to college
Local authorities also have a duty to encourage, enable and assist young people with learning difficulties/disabilities to participate in education and training, up to the age of 25. For those students aged 19 and over, please refer to that policy. If you have an EHCP and require financial assistance for travelling to college, please apply to both the college bursary scheme and the SEND Post-16 transport scheme below.
Shropshire residents:
Visit the Shropshire Council website or email
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Telford residents:
Visit the SEND - local offer website or email
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Information about learning support available for students with an EHCP can be found here.
If you are aged 16-24, have an EHCP in place and are facing financial hardship, you may be eligible for a bursary. To be eligible for a student bursary, all criteria below must apply:
- Aged 16-24 on 31st August at the start of your course
- Have an EHCP in place
- Living in a household that has an income of less than £29,000 net (2025-2026 income limit). Income is inclusive of Universal Credit, wages, rent, and Housing Benefit.
This Bursary is called the “16-18 Discretionary Bursary”, however this is also open to students aged 16-24 with an EHCP.
To apply, please visit our Apply for a Bursary Page.
Applications for the academic year 2026-27 will be open in June 2026.