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Educational awards and benefits for pupils

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On this page you will find information about the following financial awards and benefits for pupils attending our schools:

Application forms for educational awards and benefits can be printed from the links to the relevant forms under Useful documents at the foot of this page.  Please make sure you sign the application form and, if requested, attach evidence of income otherwise your application will be delayed.

If, after reading the information on this page and on the attached application forms, you are unsure whether you qualify for an award, please submit an application form and we will contact you with the outcome. 

Alternatively you can visit our One Stop Shop in person to find out about these awards and to hand in an application.

Free school meals

From 6 April 2008 the income 'threshold', which forms part of the 'Tax Credit' free school meal eligibility category, will be £15,575.

Free school meals are awarded to pupils whose parents/legal guardians receive:

  • Income Support and Child Benefit
  • Income Based job Seekers Allowance
  • The Guarantee element of State Pension Credit
  • Child Tax Credit, provided they are not entitled to Working Tax Credit and have an annual income (as assessed by Her Majesty’s Revenue and Customs) that as of 6 April 2008 does not exceed £15,575
  • Or who are being supported by the National Asylum Support Service
  • Or who are being supported by a Local Authority Social Services Asylum Team

Children who receive IS or IBJSA in their own right are also entitled to receive free school meals.

Please complete the application form below, visit our One Stop Shop in person or contact our Awards team.

School uniform awards

The clothing and uniform awards scheme will cease from 1 September 2008 and no new applications will be accepted after 23 July 2008.  Awards will only be granted in exceptional circumstances and each case will be considered individually.  For more information about the exceptional circumstances criteria please contact our Awards team.

Pupils' travel awards

These awards are not means tested for pupils aged 5-16 years.  They are issued according to a policy that takes into account distance travelled to school, the pupil's age and other factors.  Please read the notes on the application form below for a full explanation of the policy.  If you need further guidance please contact our Awards Team.

Free travel on all London Bus and tram neworks is available to all under 18's. Transport for London has now enhanced free travel for 10 year olds and under to travel free anywhere on the bus, Tube, tram, DLR and London overground at any time. Oyster and Zip cards will be required for specific age groups. For more information visit the Transport for London website (choose the "Tickets" menu) or call the Oyster helpline 0845 330 9876.

Learner Support Funds

The Learner Support Funds scheme will restart in the new academic year 2008/2009.

If you would like further information, please contact our Awards Team.

Sixth form travel awards

In order to qualify for a sixth form travel award:

  • pupils must live more than 3 miles from the school attended
  • the family gross income must also not be in excess of £12,000 for the current financial year
  • and a third of the pupil's EMA entitlement will need to be contributed towards their travel costs. 

Families in receipt of Income Support or Income Based Job Seekers Allowance will automatically qualify for a travel award, subject to the distance criteria being met.  Please complete the application form below, or contact our Awards Team for more information.

Sixth form maintenance awards

A sixth form maintenance award may be paid to help you if your child is over school leaving age and wants to stay on at school.  Awards are paid only until the pupil reaches the age of 19 and are based on your income.  To qualify for an award the family gross income must not exceed £12,000 for the current financial year.  Please read the notes on the application form below for a full explanation of the policy.

If you qualify for a sixth form maintenance award you may also be entitled to sixth form access funding.  Please contact our Awards Team for more information.

Useful websites

  • Education Maintenance Allowance
    EMA is a weekly payment to help with day-to-day costs faced by young people staying on at school, college or other training provider.

Useful documents