Background Information

The Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA) analyses data about Sixth Form students at Shirley High School who may need additional financial support to remain in education. They then award the school a sum of money to be used to support all the students who meet the criteria for an award. This money is to support student's learning so can be used to purchase materials needed for their studies, such as pens/revision guides, transport costs and equipment.  The fund can also support other costs, e.g. attending university open days and interviews. The school chooses how the money will be administered. The school has to ensure that money is available to support students who become eligible for bursary at a later date and also to cover discretionary awards.