The new 16 to 19 Bursary Fund
From September 2011, students who need some financial support to help them stay in education or training after 16 can apply to the College for the new 16-19 Bursary Fund. The newly introduced scheme replaces the old EMA system, and is made up of 2 schemes:
1. 16 - 19 Guaranteed Bursary
There are guaranteed bursaries of up to £1,200 a year for the most vulnerable. Students in one of the following categories can apply for this scheme:
• Students who are looked after by the Local Authority
• Students who are Care Leavers
• Students who are 16-18 years old and receive Income Support for any reason
• Students in receipt of both Employment and Support Allowance and Disability Living Allowance.
2. 16-19 Enhanced Learner Support Fund
There is support through the College’s Enhanced Learner Support Fund (ELSF), available for any student who faces genuine financial barriers to staying on in education and training to help with costs such as transport, food or equipment. Students in one of the following categories can apply for this scheme:
• Aged 16-18 at the start of their course (a separate 19+ years fund is also available)
• Studying a state funded course at the College
• Living in a household where the joint annual income is less than £20,817.
Students need to apply directly to the College for both funds. An application form and guidance notes are available to download or to find out further information speak to the Advice & Guidance team by calling 01422 399367 or email studentservices@calderdale.ac.uk
To apply for a bursary
To apply for a bursary please download and complete the 16-19 Financial Support Application 2011-2012 Form D and submit it in person or by post to the Support Fund Administrator, Advice and Guidance centre, Calderdale College, Francis Street, Halifax, HX1 3UZ.
Transitional EMA Arrangements
Transitional arrangements have been made to help those who are part-way through their studies and are currently receiving the EMA.
The most vulnerable students currently receiving EMA (students in care, care leavers and those on income support) will be eligible for the £1,200 bursary in place of their current EMA weekly payments.
Students who successfully applied for EMA in 2009/10 will continue to receive payments at the level set out in their EMA guarantee for each week they are in education or training, until the end of the 2011/12 academic year.
Students who successfully applied for the maximum weekly EMA payment of £30 in 2010/11 will be eligible for £20 for each week they are in education or training, until the end of the 2011/12 academic year. All students who have received a notice of entitlement (NoE) for 2011/12 should bring it to College with them when they come to enrol.