Inclusion and Belonging

We recognise that every student is different, and we work closely with individuals and families to provide the right support at the right time.

We are proud to be a sixth form that:

• Values diversity and individuality

• Promotes equality, respect, and kindness

• Challenges discrimination and prejudice

• Provides personalised support so all students can thrive

Inclusion is embedded in our teaching, pastoral care, and wider sixth form culture.

16 to 19 Bursary

Support is available to eligible students from the 16 to 19 bursary fund.

We use the fund to provide students with support to fund:  

• Transport

• Books 

• Equipment

• Field trips and other course-related costs

• The costs of attending university interviews and open days

Students who wish to apply for support from the bursary fund should complete and submit an application form

Eligibility criteria
There are two types of 16 to 19 bursaries:

I) High priority claimants (defined vulnerable groups) who will receive bursaries of up to £1,200.

II) Discretionary bursaries awarded to claimants to meet individual needs.

Bursaries for young people in defined vulnerable groups

Students who meet one of the following 4 criteria below, in addition to the above age and residency criteria, can apply for a bursary for vulnerable groups of up to £1,200 per year.

The defined vulnerable groups are students who are:

In care (those who are privately fostered are not classed as looked after)

Care leavers

Receiving Income Support, or Universal Credit because they are financially supporting themselves or, financially supporting themselves and someone who is dependent on them and living with them such as a child or partner

Receiving Disability Living Allowance or Personal Independence Payments in their own right as well as Employment and Support Allowance or Universal Credit in their own right

Students eligible for bursaries under this category will be given a pro-rata bursary if their study programme lasts for less than 30 weeks.

Discretionary bursaries
A discretionary bursary may be available to Cobham Free School students not eligible for the full bursary who meet the criteria to qualify for free school meals. This is for those students who reside in a household whose parents/guardians are in receipt of the following;

Income Support

Income-based Jobseeker’s Allowance

Income-related Employment and Support Allowance

Support under Part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999

The guaranteed element of 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 - if you apply on or after 1 April 2018 your household income must be less than £7,400 a year (after tax and not including any benefits you get)

Additional Support Required (Household income likely to be under £25,000 per annum or other qualifying circumstances at the school's discretion)

Conditions for the receipt of bursary payments
Payments are conditional on students meeting the following conditions in relation to their standards of attendance and behaviour:

Attendance above 90%

Good punctuality

Following our sixth form code of conduct

Student Survey 2025:

What does Cobham 6th do really well?

 Subject teachers give great support for their subject"

 Gets results! Students are going everywhere all over the UK to uni with exceptional grades!

 Everyone feels important.

 Allows freedom and independence, and offers opportunities for choosing future paths.

 Regular progress reports and talk about exams keeps me motivated.