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16 to 19 bursary fund: model policy

If your school receives the 16 to 19 bursary fund, you must publish a policy or statement setting out how you will use the funding. Adapt our model policy to help you set out your eligibility criteria and the support you offer.

Updated
on 26 June 2026See updates
Ref: 41575
Statutory/mandatory for:
Maintained schools
Academies
Free schools
Independent schools
Sixth-form colleges
Further education
Pupil referral units
Non-maintained special schools
Contents
  1. You must publish a policy if you access the 16 to 19 bursary fund 
  2. Download our model policy 
  3. Changes to the DfE guidance for 2026/27
  4. Funding claim windows for the defined vulnerable group bursary

You must publish a policy if you access the 16 to 19 bursary fund 

Your policy must:

  • State that the support available is from the 16 to 19 bursary fund
  • Outline:
    • How you'll use the fund
    • Clear eligibility criteria
    • What type of help you offer
  • Include the deadline for students to submit their applications (if you set a deadline)

Your policy should make clear that there is no guarantee of funding. This is because bursary awards relate to financial need (so, for example, students with no participation costs would not receive any funding, even if they met the criteria for one of the defined vulnerable groups).

You should also make sure the policy is available early enough for students making decisions about their post-16 options.

These requirements are set out in sections 6 and 7 of the 16 to 19 bursary fund guidance for 2026/27.

Download our model policy 

Is designed for you to adapt