Financial Support

Financial Support for low-income households - 2026/27

Please note: Information is subject to change each academic year

Scarborough Sixth Form College is committed to removing financial barriers to student success. Eligible students from low-income families can apply for the 16–19 Bursary Fund to cover essential costs such as travel, meals, books, equipment, or specialist clothing required for their study programme. The household income threshold for students to apply is £35,000 and under. Students must be aged 16 or over but under 19 on the 31/08/2026. Students need to apply for themselves and provide evidence with support from a parent(s)/carer(s). Students should apply before April 2027 but can still apply after if their families’ circumstances change

Free Meals Eligibility update

From September 2026, families receiving Universal Credit students will automatically qualify for Free Meals. Household income will no longer be assessed for eligibility. Students currently receiving transitional Free Meals will only remain eligible if their parents are receiving Universal Credit.

What does it mean for Scarborough Sixth Form College Students?

From September 2026, students whose parent(s) receive Universal Credit will qualify for Free Meals without a household income assessment. Evidence will be required in the form of Universal Credit statements.

The current allowance for 2025/26 is £2.61 per day, redeemable for food and drink in Café 6.

Students eligible for the 16–19 Bursary Fund (household income below £35,000) will also receive an additional meal allowance alongside their Free Meals entitlement.

Universal Credit

The College calculates Universal Credit household income set out by the Government Guidelines for assessing eligibility by adding the total amount of Universal Credit received i.e. your payment this month is £1,343 for example plus the total of salary paid after tax (Earning’s reported by your employer) e.g. £1,045.42 this would give a monthly household income of £2388.42

We ask for three statements as advised by the Government's policy as salaries can fluctuate between months and this can allow us to calculate an average monthly salary.

For self-employed families, they may be set a Minimum Income Floor. An example is earnings from self-employment is £675.00 but the Minimum Income Floor is set at £1,410.89 – the £1410.89 would be the total take home pay and we would use this to calculate household income. For more information on Universal Credit please follow the link (Most households that have a household income under £40,000 a year particularly if they pay rent and have children may qualify for Universal Credit so it is worth checking): https://www.gov.uk/universal-credit

How to Check Eligibility for the 16–19 Bursary Fund

If you are unsure whether you qualify for financial support, download our Financial Support Information and Guidelines document. It explains eligibility criteria, available support, and the application process. Even if you are uncertain, you are encouraged to apply.

Application Process

• Applications are online only and must be completed by the student.
• Parent(s)/Carer(s) will need to provide students with the required evidence of their household income
• The bank details required on the application must be the student’s bank account details not the parent(s)/carer
• A text notification will be sent to new and returning students when applications for September 2026 open in July.

For assistance, contact Student Services by phone or email. Our team can answer questions and provide guidance.

Email: studentservices@s6f.org.uk

Telephone: 01723 380726