Financial Support

At UTC Leeds, we understand that financial challenges can be a barrier to education. To help ensure that all students have access to the resources they need for successful learning, we offer various forms of financial support. Two main avenues of assistance are available: the Access Fund and the 16-19 Bursary Fund.

Access Fund

The Access Fund is designed to provide students with support to cover essential costs related to their studies, such as uniforms, transport, and learning materials. This fund is available to students who may not qualify for the 16-19 Bursary but still face financial hardship that could impact their education.

• Eligibility: The Access Fund is generally aimed at students whose household income is below a certain threshold or those who are experiencing sudden financial difficulties. The fund supports students on a case-by-case basis.
• What it covers: This financial assistance can be used for costs such as purchasing textbooks, technology for online learning, travel expenses, or specialist equipment for technical courses.
• How to apply: To apply for the Access Fund, students need to contact the school’s pastoral or finance team. Applicants may need to provide documentation like proof of household income, and funding is allocated based on need and availability.

Click here to apply for the Access Fund

16-19 Bursary Fund

The 16-19 Bursary Fund is a government-backed scheme that helps students aged 16 to 19 with the costs of education. This bursary is particularly aimed at students in financial need, ensuring that they can afford the essentials required for their studies.

There are two types of bursaries available under this scheme:

1. Vulnerable Bursary: This bursary is for students who face specific challenges, such as:

   • Students in care or those who have recently left care.
   • Young people receiving income support or Universal Credit.
   • Disabled students receiving both Employment Support Allowance (ESA) and Disability Living Allowance (DLA) or Personal Independence Payments (PIP).
   • Students in this category can receive up to £1,200 annually to help cover educational costs.

2. Discretionary Bursary: This bursary is for students who are facing financial difficulties but do not fall under the vulnerable group. The discretionary bursary is based on household income and the specific financial needs of the student. It can help cover things like transport, books, meals, and course-related expenses.

• Eligibility: To qualify for the 16-19 Bursary, students must meet the following criteria:
  • Be between 16 and 19 years old at the start of their course.
  • Meet residency requirements for the UK.
  • Demonstrate a genuine need for financial support (especially for the discretionary bursary).
• How to apply: Students can apply for the bursary by completing an application form provided by the UTC Leeds administration office. They will need to provide supporting documents, such as proof of household income, benefit statements, or a letter from a social worker (if applicable). Each application is assessed on individual circumstances, and payments are made directly to students or to cover specific costs.

Deadlines and Application Process

Both the Access Fund and the 16-19 Bursary require students to submit applications as early in the academic year as possible. Early applications ensure that students can receive timely financial support, allowing them to focus fully on their studies. The pastoral or finance team at UTC Leeds is available to provide guidance on completing the forms and gathering the necessary documents.

In summary, UTC Leeds is committed to providing financial support to students who need it. Whether through the Access Fund or the 16-19 Bursary, eligible students can receive assistance to ensure their education is accessible and successful.