Funding

Free School Meals

To apply for free school meals you need to complete the school FSM eligibility form. The school will then run the checks on your eligibility. Please email funding@ast.kevibham.org to request the form.

Targeted Free School Meals

Targeted Free School Meals are available to families who meet the Government's eligibility criteria, typically based on receipt of certain benefits. Eligible students receive a free school meal each day and the school also receives additional funding through the Pupil Premium.

This additional funding helps us provide support with:

• Academic interventions and targeted support.

• Educational visits and enrichment opportunities.

• Resources, equipment and learning materials.

• Wider initiatives designed to improve outcomes and opportunities for disadvantaged students.

Expanded Free School Meals

Students eligible through the Expanded scheme receive the same free meal entitlement. However, unlike Targeted Free School Meals, eligibility through the Expanded scheme does not attract additional Pupil Premium funding for the school.

Both schemes help to ensure that students have access to a healthy meal during the school day and that financial circumstances do not create barriers to participation in school life.

Pupil Premium

Our Pupil Premium strategy is designed to ensure that disadvantaged students have access to the same opportunities, experiences and support as their peers.

We use Pupil Premium funding to remove barriers to learning, raise achievement and support students' personal development. Our approach combines high-quality teaching, targeted academic support and a wide range of enrichment opportunities.

As part of our commitment for 2026/2027, eligible students receive an annual £200 Pupil Premium allocation that can be used to support their participation in school life. This funding can contribute towards a range of educational and enrichment opportunities, including:

• Curriculum-related resources and equipment.
• Extra-curricular activities and clubs.
• Revision materials and learning resources.
• Other school-related costs that support learning and participation.

Alongside this direct support, Pupil Premium funding is used to provide:

• Academic intervention.
• Attendance and pastoral support.
• Enrichment opportunities and cultural experiences.
• Careers education and aspiration-raising activities.
• Support for students' wellbeing and personal development.

We carefully monitor both student outcomes and the impact of our spending to ensure funding is targeted effectively and delivers meaningful benefits for our students.

Our aim is simple: to ensure that every student, regardless of background, has the support, opportunities and experiences needed to thrive and achieve their full potential.

To submit a request for a reimbursement please complete the pupil premium form on the right of this page.

Families do not need to be in receipt of current Free School Meals to qualify for Pupil Premium support. Students may be eligible through a range of criteria, including previous Free School Meal eligibility.

Albion Trust

Students in receipt of the Albion Trust receive £200 per year to help remove financial barriers to participation in school life. 

To submit a request for a reimbursement please complete the Albion Trust form on the right of this page.

16 - 19 Bursary

To apply for the 16 - 19 bursary you need to complete the school FSM eligibility form, as eligibility is initially based upon your free school meals status. The school will then run the checks on your eligibility. Please email funding@ast.kevibham.org to request the form.

The 16-19 Bursary Fund is a government-funded scheme designed to help students overcome financial barriers to participation in post-16 education. At King Edward VI Aston School, we use bursary funding to minimise the impact that financial circumstances have upon a students' participation in Sixth Form life and achieving their academic potential.

Support may be available for:

• Travel to and from school.
• Essential books, equipment and learning resources.
• Educational visits and curriculum-related activities.
• University preparation and progression-related costs.
• Other essential costs associated with remaining in education.

Our aim is to provide support in a fair, transparent and targeted manner, ensuring that funding reaches those students who need it most.

Attendance, Engagement and Continued Eligibility

As bursary funding is intended to support participation in education, students are expected to:

• Maintain good attendance and punctuality.
• Engage positively with their studies.
• Meet the standards of behaviour expected by the school.
• Use funds only for the agreed educational purpose.

For students receiving discretionary support, ongoing awards may be reviewed periodically to ensure that funding continues to be used appropriately and in line with bursary requirements.

For Year 13 students, eligibility for discretionary funding may take account of attendance and engagement during Year 12, together with attendance, punctuality and participation during the current academic year.

To submit a request for a reimbursement please complete the 16 - 19 bursary form on the right of this page.

Additional Hardship Support

The school recognises that financial circumstances can change unexpectedly during the year. Students experiencing temporary or unforeseen extreme financial hardship may be able to access additional support, subject to available funding and individual assessment.

Families are encouraged to contact the Sixth Form team as early as possible if they require assistance or advice regarding financial support.