Hardship Support & Free School Meals
Full details of financial support available with books/trips/course materials and uniform is available in Appendix 2 of the Trust’s current Charging & Remissions Policy.
The Policy outlines the different levels of financial support available, along with the qualifying criteria needed to apply for them. This policy is updated annually and the degree of support may be revised each year. It is the responsibility of parents/carers to check the Policy changes and to apply for support EACH year as it does not roll over automatically for any student. Hardship Support applies up to and including Year 11, whilst Years 12 & 13 have to apply for financial assistance via their application for Bursary when they join Post 16. The Finance Team are unable to to assist with Bursary enquiries.
To see whether you are entitled to financial support (referred to as ‘Hardship Support’ or Free School Meals) please check the Charging & Remissions Policy. If you believe you satisfy the criteria then for:
Hardship Support
Having read the Charging & Remissions Policy if you believe you qualify for Hardship Support, please complete the BSCS Funding Support Application and email it with supporting documents to bcs-finance@olympustrust.org.uk.
Free School Meals
To check if you qualify for Free School Meals, refer to the section at the bottom of this page. Once a student has been confirmed by South Gloucestershire Council as qualifying for Free School Meals (not ‘universal free school meals’ which is completely different), they will be automatically approved for support as per the Charging & Remissions Policy.
Books, Trips, Course Materials
The Charging & Remissions Policy will guide you as to whether you are entitled automatically to support (via Free School Meals) or have to apply for it (via Hardship Support). Once you apply and have been ‘approved’ for the academic year, you will receive guidance on the percentage discount to be received in correspondence giving details of the books, trips, and course materials being offered. The % discount listed will correspond with the current Charging & Remissions Policy.
Support with Uniform Purchases
Parents in receipt of Free School Meals, and those in receipt of Hardship Support, must purchase uniform direct from Monkhouse Schoolwear. Parents must pay in full at the point of ordering and then submit a claim form to BSCS Finance to obtain a refund. The amount of the refund is indicated in the Charging & Remissions Policy.
Under the current Uniform Policy, parents may purchase non-logo items from alternative retailers, other than Monkhouse Schoolwear, refunds WILL NOT be given on purchases from these alternative retailers.
Please submit completed claim forms, attaching all original receipts and supporting documents, to BSCS Finance, via Secondary or Primary Reception.
Free School Meals
Am I eligible for Free School Meals?
You are eligible for free school meals if you receive:
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Income Support
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Job Seekers Allowance (Income based - not Contribution based)
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Child Tax Credit , but not entitled to Working Tax Credit and your annual household income (as assessed by the Inland Revenue) does not exceed £16,190.00.
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Support under Part VI of the Immigration & Asylum Act 1999
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The "Guaranteed Element" of Pension Credit
FSM requests be made on-line at www.southglos.gov.uk/advice-and-benefits/benefits/free-school-meals.
For more information or a copy of the Application Form please telephone Children & Young People Information Service on 01454 868008.
Useful Documents
BSCS Funding Support Application
BSCS Uniform Support Claim Form
