Home Education and learning School finance and support EMA and University Bursary awards
Extending free school meals

From September 2023, we are extending universal free school meals to include children who live in the borough and attend secondary school (up to the age of 16).

+ If you are already get free meals from your school, you do not need to do anything.
+ If you do not get benefits and have an annual net earned income of more than £7,400, you do not need to do anything.
+ If you get benefits but are not currently receiving free school meals, it is important that you fill in your child’s registration form.

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Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA) and University Bursary schemes

You can apply for EMA or a University bursary until 21 November 2024 at 5pm.

All applications will be processed by 17 March 2025.

Educational Maintenance Allowance (EMA)

Education Maintenance Allowance allows pupils in Sixth Form schools and colleges to apply for £600 to support them with their studies.

Eligibility for EMA

  • You need to be between 16 and 19 years old on 1 September 2024.
  • You must be on a full time study programme at a recognised sixth form provision/college.
  • Your household annual income (excluding Housing benefit and Council tax reduction) needs to be below £25,000.
  • You will need to have been a resident of Tower Hamlets for three years unless you are a refugee on the Ukraine or Afghan scheme.
  • You will need at least a 95% attendance record at the end of your first term.
    • If you are below this we will make allowances for authorised absence.

To complete this form, you will need:

  • A Passport, Birth Certificate or Driving License.
  • Your National Insurance number
    • If you have a parent or carer, you'll need their National Insurance number too
  • Proof of your household income, either a P60 or Payslips covering the past 5 weeks
  • If your household receives any benefits, you'll need reference numbers
  • Your bank account number and sort code
  • A bank statement
Apply for EMA

University Bursary

The University Bursary will support students with living costs at university. Students can apply for £1,500  to help with with their undergraduate studies.

Eligibility for University Bursary

  • You must not receive the Canary Wharf Education Trust fund.
  • You need to be over 18 years old at on 1 September 2024.
  • You must be on a full-time study programme.
  • Your household annual income (excluding Housing benefit and Council tax reduction) needs to be below £25,000.
  • You will need to have been a resident of Tower Hamlets for 3 years unless you are a refugee on the Ukraine or Afghan scheme.

To complete this form, you will need:

  • A Passport, Birth Certificate or Driving License.
  • Your National Insurance number
    • If you have a parent or carer, you'll need their National Insurance number too
  • Proof of your household income, either a P60 or Payslips covering the past 5 weeks
  • If your household receives any benefits, you'll need reference numbers
  • Your bank account number and sort code
  • A bank statement
  • Your college or university's official address - You can find this on the UCAS website
  • A University Enrolment Status Letter dated within the last week. You can get this from your University Admin Team.
Apply for University Bursary