Financial Support
Financial Support for Sixth Form Students
FREE SCHOOL MEALS (FSM)
Students who are eligible for Free School Meals can continue to receive support in Sixth Form. Eligible students currently receive a £2.70 daily allowance for use at lunchtime.
Free School Meal applications and eligibility checks are now completed through the LGfL Free School Meals Eligibility Checker.
Check eligibility and apply for Free School Meals
Please note: Free School Meals and the 16 to 19 Bursary Fund are separate. Receiving FSM does not automatically mean you will receive bursary funding. A separate bursary application is required.
VULNERABLE GROUP BURSARY - UP TO £1,200
Students may be eligible for support of up to £1,200 per academic year, based on their individual financial need, if they are:
• In care or a care leaver
• Receiving Income Support or Universal Credit in their own right because they financially support themselves, or themselves and a dependent
• Receiving DLA or PIP and ESA or Universal Credit in their own right
16 TO 19 DISCRETIONARY BURSARY
Students can apply if they receive Free School Meals or have a combined gross household income of £28,000 or below per year. Eligibility to apply does not guarantee an award.
Support may be available towards essential costs such as:
• Travel
• Books, materials and equipment
• Essential course-related trips
• Specialist clothing/equipment
• University interviews and open days
• UCAS application fees
• Essential IT equipment
Awards are based on individual circumstances and the actual costs of participating in the student's study programme.
HOW TO APPLY
Applications for 2026/27 are made through the Bursary 16+ Applicaa portal.
Apply for the 16 to 19 Bursary
Students will need to complete an application and provide the required supporting evidence. Applications are encouraged by 31 October 2026, although applications remain open throughout the academic year.
RETURNING YEAR 13 STUDENTS
If you received bursary support in Year 12, you must renew your application for 2026/27.
Log back into the Bursary 16+ portal, scroll down to Renew, click this option and complete and sign the declaration confirming that your household financial circumstances have not changed.
If your circumstances have changed, please provide updated information and supporting evidence through the portal.
News & Events
Stay up to date with news and events happening at Thornleigh Sixth Form
Sixth Form Celebrates Eid with Food, Fun & Festivities!
Eid al-Fitr is the first of the two main festivals in Islam.
Year 13 Information
Discover key information, advice and guidance relating to your Year 13 journey.
Sixth Form Open Evening
On the evening of Wednesday 16th October 2025, we welcomed a huge number of prospective students through our doors.
Catenian Speaking Contest
Two Sixth Form students attended the Catenian Speaking Contest where they had the opportunity to present their ideas to a wider audience. Taking part in this competition helped them to develop their
Eid Celebrations 2026
Our Sixth Form students recently hosted an Eid party which was a vibrant celebration filled with laughter, delicious food, and festive decorations. Students enjoyed a variety of party games and
Lancaster University Trip
Our Year 12 students recently visited Lancaster University, where they were introduced to university life and explored a variety of post-18 pathways. The trip provided a valuable opportunity to
Year 13 Leavers' Service
On the 22nd May, our Year 13 students celebrated their Leavers’ Service in Thornleigh’s Chapel - a special afternoon filled with memories, laughter and reflection. Heartfelt speeches were shared by
Thornleigh Sixth Form - Taster Day
Come to our Taster Day where you can try three lessons of your choice and meet other students and staff. It will be a fantastic opportunity for you to experience life at Thornleigh Sixth Form and see
Futures Week 2026
Between the 6th and 10th July, our Year 12 students took the opportunity to explore future destinations during our annual Futures Week. The week was packed with workshops, university insights and
Taster Day 2026
On the 14th July we welcomed over 120 Year 11 students to our Sixth Form Taster Day. The event gave prospective students an insight into life as a post-16 student, helping them bridge the gap between
Record Breaking A Level Results!
Students and staff at Thornleigh Sixth Form are celebrating following another historic set of A-Level and Vocational results, surpassing last year’s record-breaking performance and securing an