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Financial Support KS4

At UTC Leeds, we are committed to ensuring that every student has access to the resources and support they need to succeed.

As part of this commitment, we offer financial assistance through Free School Meals (FSM)—available to eligible families based on national criteria—the Post‑16 16–19 Bursary, which supports Sixth Form students with essential education costs, the RMAT Access Fund, and Pupil Premium.

These funds are designed to remove barriers to learning and ensure every student can fully participate in college life.

Click the drop down boxes below to find out more. 

Free School Meals FSM

Free School Meals (FSM)

Your child may be entitled to Free School Meals if your household receives certain benefits, including Universal Credit below the current income threshold.


From September 2026, all households on Universal Credit will qualify for FSM.

Why this matters

  • It ensures your child continues receiving their free meal entitlement.

  • It unlocks important school funding to support their education.

IMPORTANT: If your child was receiving Free School Meals at their last school, they should continue to be eligible. 

However, if FSM does not automatically transfer we may not have them recorded as FSM at UTC Leeds, parents/carers should:

  1. Re‑apply for FSM through your home local authority

  2. If your child is eligible, the local authority will send you an official confirmation letter

  3. Please send us a clear photo, scan, or copy of this letter as soon as you receive it.

  4. Once we have this evidence, we will update your child’s record in Arbor and ensure they receive their Free School Meals entitlement.
PLEASE NOTE : If your child lives outside of the Leeds Local Authority the local authority does not notify UTC Leeds automatically. Please follow the steps above. 

If you’re unsure how to apply, contact us—we’re happy to help.

 

Pupil Premium

The Pupil Premium is a government-funded initiative aimed at closing the attainment gap between students from disadvantaged backgrounds and their peers. The funding is provided directly to schools and is used to support eligible students through tailored interventions, resources, and educational programs.

Who is Eligible for Pupil Premium?

Your child may be eligible for Pupil Premium funding if they meet one or more of the following criteria:

  • Eligible for Free School Meals (FSM) at any point in the last six years
  • Looked after children (those in local authority care)
  • Children who have left local authority care due to adoption, a special guardianship order, or child arrangements order
  • Children whose parent(s) are currently serving in the armed forces

Benefits of Pupil Premium

The funding from Pupil Premium can be used to provide additional support for your child in areas such as:

  • Tutoring and academic intervention programs
  • Mentoring and pastoral care
  • Learning resources, including technology or textbooks
  • Extracurricular activities that support social development and skills

At UTC Leeds, we ensure that Pupil Premium funding is used effectively to support the individual needs of eligible students, helping them reach their full potential.

Click here to learn more about our Pupil Premium strategy.

How to Apply for Pupil Premium

  1. Ensure you have applied for FSM through your home local authority

  2. If your child is eligible, the local authority will send you an official confirmation letter

  3. Please send us a clear photo, scan, or copy of this letter as soon as you receive it.

  4. Once we have this evidence, we will update your child’s record in Arbor. 

We encourage all parents who believe they may qualify to get in touch, as the funding provides essential support for both your child and our college community.

If you need further assistance or have any questions about the Pupil Premium  process, please contact our admissions team at [email protected] or call 0113 123 4567.

Post 16-19 Bursary 

For students in Sixth Form, the Government offers financial help with essential education costs such as travel, meals, equipment, books and specialist clothing.

There are two types of bursary:

  • Vulnerable Bursary: for students in care, care leavers, or those receiving certain benefits in their own right. 
  • Discretionary Bursary: based on household income and individual financial need.

How to apply:
All eligible students will be invited to apply via Applicaa during UTC Leeds enrolment.

RMAT Access Fund

The RMAT (Rodillian Multi Academy Trust) Access Fund is a financial support initiative aimed at helping students from lower-income families access educational resources, school trips, and other essential learning tools. This fund is intended to ensure that all students have equal opportunities to participate fully in school life, regardless of financial circumstances.

What Can the RMAT Access Fund Be Used For?

The RMAT Access Fund can help with costs associated with:

  • School trips and educational visits
  • Uniforms and essential school supplies
  • Specialist equipment for courses (e.g., engineering or digital technology tools)
  • Travel costs related to school attendance

If your child is eligible for financial support, the RMAT Access Fund can help ensure that they are fully equipped for academic success.

How to Apply for the RMAT Access Fund

To apply for the RMAT Access Fund, please fill out the

RMAT Access Fund Application Form 

Once submitted, our finance team will review your application, and you will be contacted with further information regarding your child’s eligibility and the support available.

For more guidance or if you need assistance completing the form, please contact our support team at [email protected] or call 0113 123 4567.

Transport to UTC Leeds

At UTC Leeds, we understand that travel costs can be a challenge for some families. Unfortunately, we are not able to provide financial support for transport throughout the year. However, you may be able to receive help with travel expenses by applying directly through your local authority, who manage transport assistance schemes for eligible students. If you need guidance on how to apply, we’re always happy to point you in the right direction.

Statutory free school travel | Metro

School transport | Leeds.gov.uk

School and college transport | North Yorkshire Council

Assistance with travel to home, school and college | Bradford Council

Home to school transport | Calderdale Council

 

 

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