A test story about FE students being shortchanged

This is an introduction to the story. Our analysis reveals exactly why bursary funding has fallen short

4th July 2012, 4:13pm

When TES compared the bursary allocations in each local authority to the numbers of free school meal students - and also accounted for more than 12,000 young people entitled to a guaranteed pound;1,200 because they are in care or receive income support - some areas are left considerably shortchanged.

One is Tower Hamlets in east London. In a borough where more than 57 per cent of secondary students qualify for free school meals, the local authority has opened up its records so Michael Farley, principal of Tower Hamlets College, knows exactly which students are identified as the most in need. He has about 50 students entitled to pound;1,200 and about 500 who were on free school meals. To give them the support Mr Gove outlined would cost pound;460,000, far more than the pound;248,000 he has received.

“We know that at least two-thirds of the students entering the college are eligible for free school meals. We haven’t told students how much they will receive yet, but it won’t be half of the pound;800 that was quoted as an expectation,” Mr Farley said.

The analysis does not take into account students who travel across borough boundaries. But there is some evidence that the lack of financial support is forcing students to stay put.

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