Young people with Down’s syndrome aged 16 to 19 in England will be eligible for the 16-19 Bursary instead of Education Maintenance Allowance.

If someone with Down’s syndrome is:

• aged 16-19
• in full time education
• getting  both Employment and Support Allowance and Disability Living Allowance or Personal Independence Payment

they will receive a bursary of £1200 per year. This is the vulnerable student bursary.  There is no means-test, either of the young person, or their family.

The 16-19 Bursary will be administered by the school or college from a centrally held fund.  Schools and colleges are responsible for identifying students who qualify.

Schools and colleges will decide if a course is “full time education.”

Young people without disabilities but in financial need can apply for another type of bursary, a discretionary bursary. Schools and colleges will be responsible for giving these bursaries. Some form of means-test is likely.

For more information, go to 16-19 Bursary Fund on GOV.UK  or contact your child’s school or college.