When a young person turns 16, the world opens up: sixth form, college, T Levels, apprenticeships, and part-time work all become part of the conversation. For children in care and care leavers, there’s also a practical question—how do we pay for travel, kit, lunches, and course costs? This guide brings together the key money and transport options that make post-16 routes doable.
1) The 16–19 Bursary Fund: what it is and who can get it
The 16–19 Bursary Fund is national support for students in England who continue in further education or training (including unpaid apprenticeships with some providers). There are two bursary types:
a) Bursary for vulnerable groups
This is targeted at young people who are looked after (in care), care leavers, or receiving certain benefits. Colleges/training providers can award up to £1,200 a year on longer programmes (around 30+ weeks), with the amount based on assessed need (e.g., regular travel, essential equipment).
b) Discretionary bursary
If a student doesn’t meet the “vulnerable group” criteria, a college can still award discretionary support for things like travel, meals, or course materials. Each provider sets its own policy and income thresholds (evidence required), but they must follow national 16–19 funding rules.
Good to know
- Funding is not automatic. Providers assess actual costs (and can pay in cash, travel passes, or items in kind).
- If a programme is shorter than 30 weeks, or part-time, the award is usually pro-rated.
- Policy documents on provider websites explain eligibility bands, evidence and appeals—worth checking before you apply.
How to apply
Applications go through the college or training provider, not the council. Ask Student Finance/Support at enrolment for the 16–19 bursary application and the list of accepted proofs (placement/care-leaver letter, benefit letters, income evidence).
2) Apprenticeships: earn while you learn
If a young person prefers hands-on learning with a wage, apprenticeships can be a brilliant route. Key things to know about pay:
- Apprentices are entitled to at least the apprentice National Minimum Wage if they’re under 19 or 19+ and in the first year of their apprenticeship. After the first year (and if aged 19+), the age-related minimum applies.
- Recent changes mean the apprentice hourly rate is £7.55 (from April), with higher age-band rates for 18–20 and 21+. Always double-check the current figures when you sign a contract.
Other costs & supports
- Travel to work/training days can be expensive. Some employers fully or partly reimburse travel, and many colleges offer discounted travel passes to day-release learners—ask both the employer and the provider.
- Colleges can sometimes use discretionary bursary pots to support essential costs for day-release apprentices (policies vary).
Why apprenticeships suit many care-experienced young people
- A wage + contract helps establish independence while building a CV.
- Training is structured and quality-assured; the national rules are set by the government for all apprenticeships.
3) Travel support: getting to college, sixth form or training
Transport can be the make-or-break cost. In England, councils must publish a Post-16 Transport Policy Statement each year explaining what help is available for sixth-form-age learners (16–18), and for 19+ learners including those with an EHCP. Colleges can then top-up with bursary help where needed.
What to look for locally
- Discounted or subsidised bus/rail schemes for 16–19s (names and eligibility differ by area).
- SEND/EHCP transport arrangements post-16 (these vary and are set out in the local policy).
- Any hardship routes if public transport is limited (e.g., rural areas), plus how to apply and appeal.
How the bursary fits with travel
Even if your council doesn’t provide a free pass, your college bursary can often cover bus passes, train season tickets, mileage or bike costs, as long as you explain your timetable and routes. Keep tickets/receipts if the provider reimburses in arrears.
4) Staying in your foster home after 18 (“Staying Put”)
Many young people want to keep the security and stability of their foster family while they finish college, start HE, or take an apprenticeship. In England, Staying Put arrangements allow care leavers to remain with their former foster carers after 18, where everyone agrees, with local support and payments arranged via the fostering service.
Why it matters for post-16 choices:
- You can choose a longer course (Level 3/T Level) without having to move abruptly at 18.
- It can help manage costs (housing, utilities, food) while you focus on study/work hours.
- Your supervising team can coordinate bursaries/benefits alongside Staying Put payments.
5) Making a plan that actually works (step-by-step)
Step 1: Map the route
List the options you’re considering (A levels, T Level, vocational course, apprenticeship). Ask each provider about contact hours, placement days, kit, and whether bursary support is available for your situation (in care/care leaver/income-based).
Step 2: Add up weekly travel
Check your council’s Post-16 Transport Policy Statement and the local operator websites for student fares. If nothing is free or discounted, get a written cost estimate (bus/rail) so the college can assess bursary need properly.
Step 3: Apply early for the bursary
Bring the right evidence (care status, benefits, income). If you’re care-experienced and on a long course, ask about the vulnerable group bursary first; if you don’t qualify, apply for the discretionary bursary with your cost breakdown.
Step 4: Compare apprenticeship offers carefully
Confirm your hourly rate in writing and check the apprentice minimum wage rules (first-year/under-19 vs age-band after year one). Ask about travel reimbursement and study time.
Step 5: Consider Staying Put if it helps stability
If you’re approaching 18, talk to your social worker and carers about a Staying Put plan so you don’t have to change home right as exams or a new job start.
6) Quick answers to common questions
Is the 16–19 bursary paid weekly or termly?
It depends on the provider—some pay weekly/fortnightly, others termly, and many provide passes/equipment directly. Awards are based on need and attendance/behaviour rules set out in each provider’s policy.
I’m on an apprenticeship—can I still get the bursary?
Sometimes. Some unpaid training routes attached to programmes can be bursary-eligible; many employed apprentices rely on wages plus discounted travel. Always check the provider’s policy and talk to Student Support.
What if the bursary doesn’t cover all my travel?
Ask about a hardship or emergency fund, speak to your Personal Adviser (if a care leaver), and check your council’s post-16 transport schemes. Providers can review awards if costs change.
Do I have to pay council tax if I’m in full-time education?
Full-time students are usually disregarded for council tax (households with only full-time students can be exempt). Your Personal Adviser/foster carer can help you get the right letter from college—ask early.
Can I stay with my foster carers while I do a higher-level course or apprenticeship after 18?
Yes—Staying Put exists for exactly this scenario, if everyone agrees and a plan is made. Payments/benefits are different from fostering allowances, so your team will set out the package.
7) Checklist for carers and young people
- College/provider bursary policy downloaded and read (know the documents you need).
- Council post-16 transport statement checked; note any deadlines and appeal routes.
- Travel costs calculated (bus/rail fares, season tickets, or mileage). Present these with your bursary application.
- Apprenticeship contract reviewed: hourly rate, study time, travel reimbursement.
- Staying Put discussion scheduled (if approaching 18) so accommodation is stable for exams/work start dates.
Bottom line
Between the 16–19 Bursary Fund, apprenticeship wages, and local transport schemes, there’s real help to make post-16 study or work-based learning affordable. The key is to apply early, bring the right evidence, and combine the strands: bursary for regular costs, discounted travel from your local authority, and (for many care-experienced young people) a Staying Put plan to keep home life steady while you focus on the next step.