Scholarships, Awards & Bursaries

The Governors recognise that Sixth Form study can bring additional expense for students and their families with funding of travel and equipment that is required to access high quality study. There are also additional costs whilst studying in the sixth form related to university visits, costs of travel for course research/study and for attendance at conferences and school related enrichment visits.

Additional funding can be accessed by sixth form students at St Mary’s. Please see the information published with each of the following funding opportunities for more details.

Sixth Form Student Package*

What is this? This is a package that supports study and learning in the sixth form. It comprises of the following:

• Laptop
• One key text book supplied for each L3 course studied, for personal use
• Professional Personal Protection Equipment (eg lab coat for Scientists and an apron for Technologists and Artists)
• Locker for personal belongings and valuables (also to be used for laptops)
• Access to Wi Fi (to support Internet use for study/research)
• Personal school email address to support communication with tutors and subject staff
• Reimbursement for education related travel to the value of £50 to support university visits whilst in the sixth form

Who is eligible? All students on the roll of St Mary’s Sixth Form will receive a Sixth Form Package.

*More details about the Sixth Form Package will be provided to students.

Scholarship Awards

What is this? This is a £250 award that can be spent on any item that supports study and future learning pathways. For example, study books and/or equipment, professional clothing or travel to support learning. The three types of scholarships are: Progress Scholarships, Attainment Scholarships and Target Scholarships.

Who is eligible to apply? All students who are applying for a place at St Mary’s Sixth Form can apply for these awards. The process for application is the same for each type of Scholarship Award.

• Progress Scholarships – for students who have achieved positive progress scores in three or more GCSE/BTEC examination subjects.
• Attainment Scholarships – for students who attained a grade of 6 or higher in GCSE/BTEC in six or more examinations.
• Target Scholarships – for students who have exceeded their GCSE/BTEC targets in at least three KS4 examination subjects.

How do I apply? Scholarship Award applications will take place alongside the application for a place in the sixth form. Students will need to complete a simple form indicating their interest in receiving an award along with a short personal statement. Scholarship applications will need to be submitted by noon on the final day of the autumn term. Once the award application form is received, it will be acknowledged in writing and discussed in the sixth form interview (January). On GCSE/BTEC examination results day in August, students who have applied for a Scholarship Award will be advised if they have been successful. Scholarship Awards will be paid according to the schedule described in the application pack. The application pack will be available shortly.

Bursary Grant

What is this? This is a grant that can be used to pay for any item that supports study and future learning pathways. For example, study books and/or equipment, professional clothing or travel to support learning. It is provided specifically to support students for whom there may be financial barriers that could prevent them from participating in education after the age of 16. This could equate to between £500 and £1000 per year for eligible students.

The Bursary Grant is managed according to the School’s 16 – 19 Bursary Fund Policy.

Who is eligible? This grant is available to students who are either currently eligible to have free school meals or who have had free school meals at any point during their time in secondary school. Eligibility for a Bursary Grant will be determined after autumn half term of Year 12/Year 13 when students will be advised by the School of their eligibility.