2.0 Details of Support Available
The 16-19 Bursary Scheme provides financial support for learners aged 16-19 to access education or training. From 2013-14 the scheme will provide two types of funding, discretionary funding and funding for vulnerable students.
Schools and colleges are responsible for awarding bursaries and verifying eligibility of students. Institutions are free to determine the assessment criteria for eligibility for discretionary bursaries and the amount paid. They can also apply to the Learner Support Service for additional funding for vulnerable students.
Vulnerable students, such as those in care, care leavers, young people in receipt of Income Support or Universal Credit and disabled students in receipt of both Employment Support Allowance and Disability Living Allowance, or Personal Independence Payments are eligible for a bursary of £1,200 for a full academic year. This amount may be reduced pro-rata for courses of less than a full academic year (less than 30 weeks) at the discretion of the school or college.
Find out more about the bursary scheme on the GOV.UK website
Further information can be obtained directly from the student’s school or college on how to apply for a bursary.
Schools and Colleges
The websites of many schools and colleges provide comprehensive information on the transport assistance provided by the educational settings. Appendix 1 outlines the support available from the principal Post 16 providers in Wirral. Students are advised to contact the institution directly for more detailed information as transport plans may be subject to change.
Merseytravel
Merseytravel offers a range of concessionary passes and pre-paid tickets.
A range of Term Time Tickets is available for young people and adults in full time education or work based learning who do not receive another allowance that covers the cost of travel. Trio tickets can be used on buses, trains and ferries, Solo tickets are for bus travel only and Railpass tickets are for train travel. The cost depends on the area that they cover and the age of the student.
The tickets are also available to be purchased on a weekly, monthly or annual basis. Students who reach their 18th birthday during a term are required to purchase an adult ticket for the whole of that term.
Merseytravel offers free travel to Merseyside residents with certain disabilities on buses, trains and Mersey Ferries. The disabilities include:
- are registered blind or partially sighted
- are registered profoundly or severely deaf
- are without speech
- have a disability or suffered an injury which has a substantial effect on ability to walk
- does not have arms or use of arms
- have a learning disability
- would be refused a license to drive a motor vehicle because of epilepsy, severe medical disorder, sudden attacks of dizziness or fainting or diagnosed dementia conditions
- severe mental health issues
Students are advised to seek advice for the most appropriate ticket from any Merseytravel Centre or to telephone Merseytravel Hub Support on 0151 236 6056.
Find out more on the Merseytravel website
Arriva buses
Arriva offers a range of student passes, both annual and termly, for use on Arriva buses in the North West Area, valid throughout Cheshire, Halton, Lancashire and Manchester as well as Wirral and Merseyside.
Find out more on the Arriva website
Stagecoach
Stagecoach operates a range of buses in the Wirral, Chester, Ellesmere Port and Wrexham areas.
Find out more on the Stagecoach website
Rail Services
The 16-25 Railcard offers one third discount for those aged 16-25 and students on a range of journeys. For the best offers students should check with operators what choices are available for their journey at the time they want to travel.
Find out more about student railcards
Additional information on rail fares and services can be obtained through National Railcards: 0844 871 4036.