College can be financially challenging for some young people. At St John Rigby College we want all of our students to enjoy their College experience without this worry. If you or your family would like to discuss any financial concern please contact us by email bursary@sjr.ac.uk or telephone 01942 214797.
Each year the Government provide College with an allocation of funds to help students who face financial barriers to continue in full-time education. St John Rigby College ensures that this money is awarded to those students who are in most financial need.
Financial Support can assist with food and refreshments, essential trips and visits, travelling to College, stationery, text books, print credits, uniform and other associated costs related to attending a programme of study.
Below is a summary of the financial support available in 2026 to 2027.
There are three types of financial support available:
The household income thresholds for 2026-27 are:
Number of dependants | Household Income Total |
1 | £37,000 |
| 2 | £42,000 |
3 | £47,000 |
| 4 | £52,000 |
5 | £57,000 |
For each additional dependant, £5000 is added to the household income threshold.
The amount, and type, of financial support provided will be confirmed if your Enhanced or Income Assessed Bursary application is successful. Therefore, any bursary provided will be based on an assessment of circumstances and actual financial need.
A student will be eligible for Free College Meals (FCM) if they are aged between 16-18 on 18th August 2025 and if they, or their parents/carers, are in receipt of at least one of the following benefits (students who turn 19 during the academic year are still eligible for that year):
Bursary applications for 2026-27 will be available 24 hours after Enrolment. New students who wish to apply for financial support can submit an application form via PayMyStudent (PMS). Please see the following guide with information about how to apply using PayMyStudent:
If you are a student and live totally independently then you will need to complete the form yourself. Otherwise, the form should still be completed by the student but with assistance from their parents/carer or partner.
We have made the form as straightforward as possible but if you are unsure of anything please do not hesitate to contact bursary@sjr.ac.uk. Remember that we want you to apply and will help you as much as we can.
We will aim to let you know if your application has been approved within 10 working days of receiving your application (and all the required evidence). However, during busy periods, for example at the start of the academic year, this may take a little longer.
Yes definitely !
We have had many students who initially did not believe that they would be eligible for financial support, but when they did apply they were approved. If you are not sure if you should apply then please contact bursary@sjr.ac.uk and someone will contact you to discuss this further.
All financial support will be targeted towards those young people who face the greatest financial barriers to participation. Conditions for receiving any financial award will be subject to the student having satisfactory attendance, behaviour and engagement with their studies.
To view the Bursary Policy and/or Student Bursary Guidelines, please click the links below:
Student Bursary & Free College Meals Policy
Student Bursary & Free College Meals Guidelines & Information
If you have any other questions relating to the financial support on offer at St John Rigby College, please contact bursary@sjr.ac.uk – we want to do everything we can to ensure that you are financially supported whilst at College and are more than happy to answer any questions.
Students aged 16 – 19, as of the 31st August 2025, can apply for support with childcare costs if they have a child on their own. Any student who wishes to apply for this support must complete a separate application form (available on request) and provide certain evidence, such as, the child’s birth certificates and proof that the student receives child benefit for them.
If you’re not quite ready to start on a Level 3 Technical course (T Levels) or a Vocational Level 3 course (BTEC) but want to begin on the path to your chosen career, the Transition Programme could be for you.
Transition Programmes are tailored to prepare students to move onto Technical or Vocational Level 3 study. They will give you the opportunity to improve your English and Maths, your work readiness skills and introduce you to the technical skills and concepts that you will need for future study and employment.
As part of the Transition Programme you will study a BTEC Level 2 Award in your chosen subject area as well as the BTEC Level 2 Extended Award in Work Skills. You will also have the opportunity to resit GCSE English and/or Maths if you have not yet achieved a grade 4.
Entry criteria for Transition Programmes is four grade 3s including grade 3s in English Language and Maths GCSE.
