Holy Cross College – Financial Support 2026–2027
At Holy Cross College, we are committed to ensuring that no student is disadvantaged because of their financial circumstances. We understand that the costs associated with attending college, including travel, meals, equipment and course-related expenses, can create barriers to participation.
Financial support is available through the 16–19 Bursary Fund and Free Meals in Further Education (FMFE). These schemes are designed to help eligible students access and succeed in their studies by reducing financial barriers to education.
The 16–19 Bursary Fund provides financial assistance to students who need help with the essential costs of attending college. Each application is assessed individually to ensure support is targeted where it is needed most.
Support Available:
Travel Support
Support towards the cost of travelling to and from college, including public transport and essential travel connected to study programmes or work placements. Travel assistance is normally based on the cheapest reasonable method of transport, usually bus travel.
Course Costs
Support towards essential textbooks, stationery, specialist equipment, kit, uniforms and other materials required for study.
Educational Visits
Support may be available for compulsory UK-based educational visits and trips that form an essential part of a student's course.
IT Equipment
Students who have limited access to suitable IT equipment at home may be considered for support where this is necessary for their studies.
Meal Support
Students who are not eligible for Free Meals in Further Education may be considered for meal support through the discretionary bursary where financial need is evidenced. In most cases, support is provided through the Holy Cross College Online Bursary Store rather than direct cash payments.
Vulnerable Bursary
Students may be eligible for a Vulnerable Bursary if they fall into one of the following groups:
Funding for vulnerable students is based on an assessment of actual financial need and participation costs. Receiving a Vulnerable Bursary does not automatically mean a student will receive the maximum award available.
Free Meals in Further Education (FMFE)
Free Meals in Further Education is a government-funded entitlement for eligible students. Students who qualify will receive funded meals for each day they attend their study programme, including examinations, work placements and authorised educational visits.
Students must apply for Free Meals in Further Education each academic year.
Eligibility is assessed in line with current Department for Education guidance.
Who Can Apply?
For 2026/27, the main qualifying benefit is Universal Credit. Other qualifying circumstances may also apply in accordance with current government guidance.
Eligibility at a Glance
You may be eligible for support if you:
Students aged 19 and over may still be eligible in certain circumstances, including students with an EHCP or those continuing a programme started before turning 19.
How to Apply
Submit applications for bursary funding and Free Meals in Further Education via the holycross paymystudent portal.
Bursary awards can be accessed through the holycross.collegestore.uk.
Important: Please do not send evidence by email. All supporting documents must be uploaded directly through your application on the PayMyStudent Portal.
Applications may be delayed if evidence is submitted through other methods. Applications are accepted throughout the academic year. Students should apply as soon as possible and may submit a new application if their circumstances change during the year.
Confidential Applications
Applications for bursary and free meal support are treated confidentially. We understand that discussing financial circumstances can be difficult, and we encourage any student who may need support to apply.
The information provided will only be used to assess eligibility for financial support and will be handled in accordance with the College's Data Protection and GDPR policies.
Emergency Financial Support
Students experiencing unexpected financial hardship may be able to access temporary emergency support for essential travel or meals while a full bursary assessment is completed. This support is intended to help students continue attending college during periods of significant financial difficulty.
Students requiring emergency support should contact Student Services as soon as possible to discuss their circumstances.
How Bursary Applications Are Assessed
Eligibility for the discretionary bursary is assessed using household income and individual circumstances. The College considers factors such as travel costs, course related expenses, household size and any other financial barriers that may affect a student's ability to participate in education.
A household income of £40,000 or below may indicate eligibility for consideration; however, meeting the income threshold does not automatically guarantee an award. All applications are assessed individually based on demonstrated financial need and available funding.
What We Can't Fund
The 16–19 Bursary Fund is intended to help students overcome financial barriers to participation in education. Funding must be used for essential costs directly related to attending and completing a study programme.
The bursary fund cannot be used for:
All applications are assessed individually, and support is awarded based on demonstrated financial need and participation costs associated with a student's education.
Attendance and Participation
The purpose of bursary funding is to support students in accessing and participating in education. Students receiving support are expected to engage positively with their studies and maintain satisfactory attendance.
Financial support may be reviewed where attendance, participation or personal circumstances change during the academic year. For support linked to recurring costs such as travel or meals, awards will normally reflect continued attendance and participation.
What Evidence Will I Need?
To assess your application, we may ask you to provide supporting evidence. Depending on your circumstances, this may include:
Applications cannot normally be assessed until sufficient evidence has been received. All information provided is handled in accordance with the College's Data Protection and GDPR policies.
Appeals
If you are unhappy with the outcome of your application, you may request a review of the decision through the College's complaints and appeals procedure.
Appeals should normally be submitted in writing and should clearly explain the reason for the appeal together with any additional information that may be relevant to the assessment.
Further Information
For full details regarding eligibility, assessments, awards, payments, appeals and administration of bursary and free meal support, please read the College's:
16–19 Bursary and Free Meals in Further Education Policy 2026–2027.
Students, parents and carers are encouraged to review the policy alongside the information on this page before making an application.
For government official guidance: 16–19 Bursary Fund Guidance 2026–2027
Contact Us
For advice or assistance with financial support applications, please contact Student Services:
Email: bursary@holycross.ac.uk
Phone: 0161 762 4523
We encourage any student who is experiencing financial difficulty to contact us as early as possible so that we can discuss the support available.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the 16–19 Bursary Fund?
The Bursary Fund provides financial support to help students overcome barriers to participation in education. This may include help with travel, course costs, equipment and meals.
Is everyone who applies guaranteed support?
No. All applications are assessed individually based on financial circumstances, actual need and available funding.
What evidence will I need?
Evidence may include Universal Credit statements, proof of household income and other relevant documents.
Can I apply during the year?
Yes. Applications can be made at any point during the academic year if your circumstances change or support is needed.
Do I need to reapply every year?
Yes. Eligibility for both bursary funding and Free Meals in Further Education must be reassessed each academic year.
Can I receive both Free Meals and Bursary support?
Yes. Students may receive Free Meals in Further Education alongside other forms of bursary support where appropriate. However, the same cost cannot be funded twice.
How will I receive my bursary award?
Where possible, support will be provided in kind, such as course materials, travel support or credit to spend through approved College systems. Some support may be provided through direct payments where appropriate.