Financial support

At Saint Cecilia’s we aim for all pupils and students to have access to a great curriculum, which not only promotes academic success, but also the development of the whole child. This involves appreciating the unique needs of our pupils and students and putting in place strategies to address these, both inside and outside of the classroom, to ensure great learning, anchored by high expectations and a desire to succeed.

Compassion Fund
The Governing Body understands that the cost of necessary school items —uniform, PE kit, trips and activities—can add up. To help, Saint Cecilia’s launched the Compassion Fund using voluntary donations from our community to ensure every child can take part fully in school life.

Firstly, families eligible for Free School Meals receive at least 20% off school trips and activity fees that support learning, paid for from the Fund. Secondly, families can apply for support at any time of the year, but financial assistance will normally only be provided to support one application per child each academic year. Please provide supporting information to assist with the assessment of your application. Click on the link below to apply.

LINK TO NEW COMPASSION FUND MS FORM STILL TO COME

Free School Meals
We follow the national Free School Meal allowance and serve a hot meal and dessert at lunchtime from the Refectory to all eligible children. No one knows which children receive Free School Meals as they ‘pay’ using their lunch card just like everyone else. If your child prefers to bring a packed lunch, please still apply if you are eligible as funding for other things, such as trips, may be available for you.

To check of you are eligible to apply for Free School Meals, please click here on the Government’s website to see the current criteria.

Please complete the form below to apply. We check your details with Wandsworth Borough Council and, once they confirm your eligibility, we are usually able to set this in motion within a few days. You need to reapply each year and we will contact you to remind you.

LINK TO NEW FREE SCHOOL MEALS MS FORM STILL TO COME

Pupil Premium
Each year, we receive a grant from the Department for Education called the Pupil Premium Grant (PPG). This is funding to improve education outcomes for disadvantaged pupils. Evidence shows that disadvantaged children generally face additional challenges in reaching their potential at school. Being approved for Free School Meals unlocks PPG which is automatically granted to the school. Parents/carers do not need to apply for PPG.

The Pupil Premium Grant (PPG) will be used to target three main areas of support this year:

• Teaching

• Wider academic support

• Wider strategies, including well-being, attendance and behaviour

Full details can be found in the Pupil Premium Strategy Statement on our Policies page.

16-19 Bursary Fund
We offer the 16-19 Bursary to students in our Sixth Form which can be used to fund things such as books and other equipment to support students’ courses and transport on days they study at school.

This can also include one off payments for individual education-related costs subject to available funds (receipts are required as evidence of purchase and a letter of request explaining the reason for the top-up payment).

You can apply for a Discretionary Bursary if you/your child is:

• In receipt of Free School Meals

• From a Low Income Family. Evidence must be provided to our Director of Sixth Form, for example P60, Tax Credits, Universal Credit etc.

Read our full 16-19 Bursary Policy on the Policies page for full criteria and the application process. Apply using this form.

For more information, you can contact our Director of Sixth Form or read these pages on the Department of Education’s website.