In this section of the website, we aim to make parents, carers and students aware of financial assistance available from national organisations and the Local Education Authority.
For some students, financial assistance is also available from the school as a means-tested 16-19 Bursary or Foundation Grant from the Trustees of the Foundation of Clitheroe Royal Grammar School.
- Free School Meals (FSM)
We encourage all students who are eligible for Free School Meals (FSM) to apply for them and to take them. Free School Meals are offered to children of families who are in receipt of:
- Income support
- Income-based jobseekers allowance
- Income-related employment and support allowance
- Support under part VI of the immigration and asylum act 1999
- The guaranteed element of state pension credit
- Child tax credit (provided you’re not also entitled to working tax credit and have an annual gross income of no more than £16,190)
- Working tax credit run-on – paid for 4 weeks after you stop qualifying for working tax credit
- Universal credit
To apply, simply ring your local Area Education Office with details of your name, date of birth and National Insurance number and an immediate on-line decision can be given.
Please take a look at this website for information on eligibility for Free School Meals and visit Lancashire County Council’s website or Blackburn with Darwen’s website for details of local Area Education Offices (who will advise you regarding the application process).
Once you have applied and been granted Free School Meals for your son or daughter, you do not need to re-apply annually. Your child will continue to receive the meals until you cease to be entitled. The council will contact you should this arise.
Free School Meals are an important part of the criteria for assessing eligibility for our 16-19 Bursary.
- Foundation Grant (Years 7 to 11)
The Clitheroe Royal Grammar School Foundation is a registered charity, managed separately from the school by a Board of Trustees. These Trustees hold on trust the centuries-old permanent endowment of the school. Income from this endowment is used in two ways, namely:
- To provide facilities to enhance the education of the students at the school
- To provide Foundation Grants to parents and carers, of students in the Main School (Years 7-11) at CRGS, who are in need of financial assistance.
Foundation Grants, which are paid annually, are awarded to help with the necessary expenses of keeping a child at Clitheroe Royal Grammar School, such as buying uniform, going on school trips etc.
If you feel that you might be eligible for a grant then please write to us, either by post or email, for an application form:
The Clitheroe Royal Grammar School Foundation, York Street, Clitheroe, BB7 2DJ.
Email: [email protected]
Please return completed applications to the above address. Your application will of course be treated by the Trustees in the strictest confidence.
Please note that Foundation Grants are paid only in respect of students during their time in the Main School at CRGS (Years 7 to 11) and that payments will not normally be made before the beginning of August in advance a new school year.
- Student Finance England: For students applying to university (and their parents/carers)
Student Finance England have produced a quick start guide to help students, parents and carers find their way through the process of applying for student finance. Before you apply, we recommend that you download and read the ‘Terms and Conditions Guide’ which is available on the Student Finance Application page at GOV.UK
They have also produced a series of short films aimed at students.
Visit this website for useful advice and money saving tips. It includes a Student Loan Calculator and Student Loans Myth Busting Guide. The guides are provided by MoneySavingExpert.com and Universities UK and are important reading for anyone considering going to university. Parents and carers have found it helpful to read the Which? Student Finance Guide.
Remember to explore scholarships, grants and bursaries to help you cover costs while you are studying. The Scholarship Hub and Grant Fairy have searchable databases of over 2,000 scholarships in the UK.
- National Union of Students (NUS) Cards
We do not issue an ID card to our students. However, we do encourage students to apply for a NUS card.
The card costs from £12 and pays for itself very quickly. Lancashire United buses, for example, offer a 10% discount on fares for NUS cardholders and cinema tickets at the Odeon have a 25% discount. Many shops also offer discounts, find the list here.
- 16-19 Bursary Fund
The 16-19 Bursary Award Fund is intended to help students with the actual cost of participating in their study programme, to help with the costs of essential books or equipment or with the cost of travelling to and from school.
Please click here for further information and the details of how to apply.
