Transport and 16-19 Bursary Entitlement 2013 / 2014

2013 / 2014

The Netherhall Sixth Form

Sam Surtees – Manager of Admissions, Transport and Education Welfare Benefits

Lisa Derrett – Transport and Admissions Officer

What will be covered?

• An Introduction to Raising Participation Age

• 16-19 Bursary Fund

• Transport Entitlement

• Useful contact details

• Questions and Answers

Raising Participation Age (RPA)

• From September 2013, the Education and Skills Act 2008, requires that all young people continue in learning, or training, until the end of the academic year in which they turn 17.

• From 2015 they will be required to continue in learning, or training, until age 18.

• This change is known as Raising the Participation Age (RPA).

Young people will be able to choose one of the following options:

• Full time education, such as school, college or home education

• Apprenticeships, work-based learning

• Part-time education or training if they are employed, self employed or volunteering for at least 20 hours a week

• The introduction of RPA has not, therefore, changed the statutory school leaving age nor local authorities’ duties with regard to the provision of home to school/college transport.

• This was confirmed in guidance issued by the Department for Education in March 2013.

16-19 Bursary Fund

What is the 16-19 Bursary Fund?

• The Government has set aside some money for schools, colleges, training providers and local authorities to allocate to young people who need financial support to stay on in further education or training.

Am I eligible?

• To be eligible you must be at least 16 years old and under 19 years old on 31st August 2013.

• You must also be taking part in full-time or part-time further education or training.

• Further information and advice regarding the 16-19 Bursary Fund is available from the Education Funding Website –

• www.education.gov.uk/childrenandyoungpeople/youngpeople/studentsupport

Who will the bursary be paid to?

• The Netherhall Sixth Form have agreed to apply a common set of principles and priorities in relation to the allocation of the bursary funds.

• They are as follows –

• Vulnerable Student Bursary

• Discretionary Bursary

How much will I receive?

• Students entitled to the Vulnerable Student Bursary will receive up to £1200, payable in 6 equal instalments over the academic year

• Students entitled to the Discretionary Bursary could receive a payment of between £400-£800 payable in 6 equal instalments over the academic year

How do I apply?

• If you believe you are eligible for a payment under the 16-19 Bursary Fund, please complete an application form.

• The 16-19 application form can be downloaded from the following webpage –

• www.cambridgeshire.gov.uk/education/parents/help/learner

• Or paper copies are available from The Netherhall Sixth Form

How will I know if my application has been successful?

• If your application has been successful you will be notified in writing showing how much you have been awarded and when you can expect your first payment

Important Information

• Applications for the 16-19 Bursary Fund can be submitted to your post-16 provider at any time during the academic year

• There is a limited amount of funding available. Applications will not be considered once all funds have been distributed

Transport Entitlement

Do I qualify for assistance with post-16 transport costs?

• Under Cambridgeshire County Council’s transport policy eligibility for transport support for post-16 students is based upon students attending the nearest appropriate post-16 centre to their home address.

You will be entitled to transport assistance if you are:

• Resident within Cambridgeshire• Attending your nearest appropriate post-

16 centre (NAC)• Enrolled on a full-time course with a

minimum of 15 taught hours per week• Over compulsory school age but under 19

on 31st August 2013• Live more than 3 miles away from your

NAC

What is the cost?

• If you live within the Stagecoach Megarider zone (Cambridge city and certain surrounding villages) it is cheaper for you to purchase your ticket from Stagecoach directly

• If you live outside the Megarider zone you can purchase a subsidised pass via Cambridgeshire County Council at a cost of –

• £618 for the academic year (September to July)• £206 per term• £103 per half term

Do I qualify for free transport?

• In order to qualify for free transport you must meet all of the entitlement criteria and be claiming or have a member of your household claiming one of the following:

• Income Support• Income Based Job Seekers Allowance• Income Related Employment and Support Allowance• Support under Part VI of the Immigration & Asylum Act

1999• Guarantee elelment of State Pension Credit• NHS Tax Exemption Certificate

What if I plan to cycle to College?

• A termly allowance of £40 is paid to students who are entitled to free or subsidised transport but choose to cycle to college.

• A claim form needs to be completed at the end of each term. These are available from The Netherhall Sixth Form

Useful Contact Details

• 16-19 Bursary FundEducation Welfare

Benefits Team

Box No CC1206

Castle Court

Cambridge

CB3 0AP

Tel: 01223 703200

Email:

ewb.fsm@cambridgeshire.gov.uk

• Post-16 Transport Social & Education Transport

Team (SETT)

Box No CC1301

Castle Court

Cambridge

CB3 0APTel: 0345 045 52 08 or

Tel: 01223 699790

Email:

Post16transport@cambridgeshire.gov.uk

Any Questions?