Financial Support

Holy Cross College – Financial Support 2025–2026

At Holy Cross College, we want every student to thrive and make the most of their time here. We understand that the cost of travel, meals, or essential course items can sometimes be a challenge. That’s why we provide financial support through the 16–19 Bursary Fund (2025–2026) and the Free School Meals scheme (2025–2026).

These schemes are designed to help remove financial barriers, so you can focus on your studies and future.

16–19 Bursary Fund

The 16–19 Bursary Fund provides targeted support for students who need financial assistance while studying at college.

Support available includes:

Travel Bursary

· £10 refund on the Our Pass scheme for students living within Greater Manchester.

· For students over 18, or living outside Greater Manchester, up to £7.50 per day for bus travel only.

Course Costs Covered

· Up to 100% of essential costs including textbooks, stationery, equipment, kit, and national non-residential trips.

IT Equipment

· Support for students with limited or no access to a computer at home.

Free College Meals (Bursary Provision)

· Up to £5 per day to spend on food and drink on site.

In most cases, bursary support is provided through a credit system that can be used on the Holy Cross College Online Bursary Store.

Free School Meals

Some students may be entitled to Free School Meals through government provision.

· Students entitled to FSM will receive up to £5 per day to spend on site at college.

Note: Students can receive either Free School Meals (FSM) or Free College Meals (FCM) through the bursary, not both.

Fast-Track FSM Applications: If you received Free School Meals in high school, you could fast-track your FSM application by emailing a copy of your letter from your previous school confirming your FSM entitlement to bursary@holycross.ac.uk. The letter should include the dates you received FSM. Please note this is only for 2025/2026.

Eligibility at a Glance

16–19 Bursary Fund

You may be eligible if you:

· Are aged 16 or over but under 19 on 31 August 2025.

· Are enrolled in a publicly funded school, college, or unpaid training course.

· Meet residency requirements (verified by your school or college).

· Have a household income of £40,000 or below per year.

· Are in care or a care leaver.

· Receive Income Support, Universal Credit, or other qualifying benefits.

Additional notes:

· Students aged 19 or over may still be eligible for a discretionary bursary if continuing a programme started aged 16–18 (19+ continuers) or have an EHC Plan.

Official guidance: 16–19 Bursary Fund Guidance 2025–2026 

Free School Meals (FSM)

You may be eligible if you or your parent/carer receive any of the following benefits:

· Universal Credit (annual net earned income under £7,400)

· Income Support

· Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA)

· Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)

· Support under Part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999

· Guarantee element of Pension Credit

· Child Tax Credit (with conditions)

· Working Tax Credit run-on (4 weeks after entitlement ends)

Transitional protections apply until the end of the 2025–2026 school year.

Official guidance: Free School Meals Guidance 

How to Apply

· Submit applications for bursary and FSM via: Holy Cross paymystudent Portal

· Bursary support can be spent via: Holy Cross College Online Bursary Store 

· Fast-tracking FSM applications: email a copy of your previous school letter to bursary@holycross.ac.uk.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) – Financial Support 2025–2026

1. What is the 16–19 Bursary Fund?

• Financial support to help with travel, course materials, equipment, and meals.

2. Who can apply?

• Aged 16–18 (or 19+ if continuing a programme started at 16–18 or have an EHC plan)
• Enrolled in a publicly funded school, college, or unpaid training course
• In care, a care leaver, or household income under £40,000
• Receiving Income Support, Universal Credit, or other qualifying benefits

3. What support does it provide?

• Travel bursary: £10 refund on Our Pass (GM) or up to £7.50/day bus travel
• Course costs: textbooks, stationery, equipment, kit, national trips
• IT equipment: support for students with limited PC access
• Free College Meals: up to £5/day

4. FSM vs FCM?

• FSM = government provision
• FCM = bursary provision
• Students cannot receive both

5. How to apply?

• Online via Apply Online

6. Fast-track FSM application?

• Yes, email previous school’s letter to bursary@holycross.ac.uk

7. How to spend bursary funds?

• Via the Holy Cross College Online Bursary Store 

8. Documents needed:

• Proof of income or benefits (UC, Income Support, JSA, ESA, Pension Credit, Child Tax Credit, Working Tax Credit run-on, household income for discretionary bursary)
• Photocopies/scans accepted if clear
• Previous FSM letter can fast-track applications

9. Contact for help:

• Student Services
• Email: bursary@holycross.ac.uk
• Phone: 0161 762 4523