Financial Support at Holy Cross College
The 16 to 19 Bursary Fund provides financial support to help students overcome financial barriers to stay in education.
Vulnerable Groups Bursary: Up to £1,200 based on individual needs.
Discretionary Bursaries:
Zone 1: Up to £10
(one off payment) for Greater Manchester residents.
Zone 2: Up to £7.50 per day for those outside Greater Manchester.
Up to 100% for essential materials, course kits, trips, and printing.
Up to £5.00 per day for students with household income under £30,000.
Provided daily via on-site catering for eligible students.
Alternative arrangements (packed lunches, vouchers) available for off-site activities.
Available for severe hardship cases without detailed checks, with audit records kept.
Applications encouraged during enrolment and throughout the year.
Assessed based on individual need and evidence of eligibility.
To access the application portal please use the link below
Application Portal Link - https://holycross.paymystudent.com/portal/
Based on individual financial need, not flat rates.
Conditional on meeting attendance standards.
Appeals can be made by writing to the Assistant Principal (Students) if policy is not followed correctly or if new information arises.
5% of bursary funding used for administration.
Detailed records maintained for audit purposes.
Unspent funds moved to discretionary bursary fund yearly.
Policy published on the website.
Annual evaluations and reviews ensure compliance with updated guidance.
Email – Bursary@holycross.ac.uk
Tel - 01617624523
ANSWERS TO OTHER FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS…
Q. When will I know if I will receive a bursary?
A. We will normally email you within approximately two weeks of receiving your fully completed application to confirm whether you qualify for financial support (it may be a little longer during busier periods).
Q. How will I obtain Free College Meals when I am at college?
A. Free college meals are provided on the student’s ID badge when presented at the till. The daily value will be £5.00 for lunch. Students are encouraged to make healthy option choices for their meal(s). The badges will be activated after the induction days as soon as you have proved you qualify for Free Meals (uploading information).
Q. Transition to Year 13 e.g. How long will I receive Bursary or Free Meals for?
A. We can continue to pay your bursary or Free College Meals in the Upper 6th as long as you confirm to us that your circumstances have not changed. We will contact you in the summer term of Lower 6th to request confirmation of this. This is also dependent on any changes to guidance from the ESFA each academic year.
Q. Can you provide any other financial help while I am at college? What other funds are available and what other support is there?
A. The college may be able to loan you textbooks or computer equipment that you need for your course’s dependent upon need and availability.
A. The college will loan you protective equipment necessary for your course, eg lab coats, protective glasses etc.
A. The college has a hardship fund and may be able to help you with other equipment subject to need or with other costs such as attendance at interview or university open day, or trips and visits that are essential as part of your course.
A. Subject to funds, we may be able to help you with travel costs if you are not eligible for free travel to college
Q. What happens if my application is incomplete?
A. The college will contact you if your application is incomplete, if we receive no further update, we will withdraw the application after 8 weeks. If in future there are any changes in circumstances or the availability of evidence, please feel free to apply again.
Q. What if my application is turned down?
A. You have the right to appeal. You should put your case in writing and address it to the Assistant Principal (Students) at the college address. Any appeal must be made within seven working days of being advised of the decision.