From the 2011/12 year, the College has been given an additional fund from the Government to help students in financial need with the cost of coming to college. If eligible, you could receive money for things like transport to college, meal vouchers or help towards the cost of books and equipment and other related expenses.

All 16-18 FE students known to us were sent a letter in the first week of August explaining the operation of the 16-18 year old bursary and attaching an application form. If you are a late applicant to the college and did not receive this letter or have mislaid it then do not worry. You can collect details and an application form from Reception at any of the Weston College campuses or Student Services at Knightstone Campus.

(a) Guaranteed Bursary

The Government has also announced that some students will be guaranteed a bursary of £1200 next year. You could get this if you are in one of the following categories:
• You are living in care and are aged 16 or 17
• You are a care leaver and are aged 16, 17 or 18
• You are aged 16, 17 or 18 and receiving income support
• You are aged 16, 17 or 18 and are the primary carer for your family

If you think you would be eligible for this £1200 bursary and intend to continue at the College in 2011/12 please contact the Student Services Co-ordinator; Gary Farr at gary.farr@weston.ac.uk

Note that college contribution towards transport costs, meal vouchers, books and equipment will count against this sum. In the meantime, you should apply now by picking up a form from the Student Services team and filling it in.

(b) Meal Vouchers

If you were in receipt of free school meals during 2010/11 in school year 11, you can apply for a £12 weekly meal allowance for redemption in the college’s catering outlets.

(c) Bus Passes

Bus passes are available at a subsidised rate of £55 per term. Further details are shown in the Bus Travel link.
Help is also available from the 16-18 year old Bursary towards the £55 termly cost.

(d) Kit, Uniform or Residential Trips

The fund will also contribute towards costs you may need for kit, uniform or residential trips during your studies at college.

General

PLEASE NOTE THAT IN ORDER TO PROCESS YOUR APPLICATION SMOOTHLY IT IS HELPFUL FOR YOU TO APPLY OVER THE SUMMER HOLIDAY. THIS WILL ENABLE COLLEGE STAFF TO MAKE AN EARLY ASSESSMENT OF YOUR NEEDS.