Early completion and return of the bursary applications would be appreciated to allow prompt processing. The deadline for receiving new applications for the first payment run is Friday 3rd October 2025. The first payment will be made the week commencing 27th October 2025. The amounts to be awarded for bursary Cat 2 and Cat 3 students will be made towards the beginning of October and you will be notified.
 
Category 1
 
‘Currently in care (as defined by social services)’ and ‘Leaving or have recently left care’. Evidence of in care status will be carried out within the Local Authority.
‘In receipt of Income Support/Personal Independence Payment in their own name’ – please confirm you have seen relevant evidence and provide a copy with the application.
‘A disabled learner in receipt of both Employment Support Allowance and Disability Allowance/Personal Independence Payment’ – please confirm you have attached relevant evidence.
 
Category 2
 
Please check and confirm that you are receiving free school meals. Any learner who is eligible for FSM at time of application or anyone who subsequently becomes eligible during years 12 and 13 is entitled for Category 2 of the bursary. For those learners who become eligible for FSM throughout the academic year, their bursary will be funded at Category 2 rate pro-rata.
 
Category 3
 
Disability Living Allowance/Personal Independence Payments or Household income below £32,000 (subject to confirmation)
Please ensure all relevant copies of evidence are attached, please do not submit original copies of evidence. Please make sure that the tax credits are for the correct financial year and include the correct pages. The figure we are looking at is on the Income page (usually page 3 of 6) and there is a statement:
 
Parental income from all sources for the year ended 5th April 2025. 

The application needs to be completed online and emailed to lisa.hayward@lipson.plymouth.sch.uk. Financial evidence to support Cat 3 applications will need to be photocopied by Lisa Hayward.