Home Education and learning School finance and support EMA and University Bursary awards
Extending free school meal provisions

From September 2023, the council is extending universal free school meals provision to include children who live in the borough and attend secondary school (up to the age of 16).

+ If you are already in receipt of free meals from your school, there is nothing further you need to do.
+ If you are not in receipt of benefits and have an annual net earned income of more than £7,400, there is nothing further you need to do.
+ If you are receiving benefits but not currently receiving free school meals, it is important that you fill in your child’s registration form.


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Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA) and University Bursary schemes

Applications for EMA and University bursary are open.

Applications will close Monday 20 November 2023.

Educational Maintenance Allowance (EMA)

Education Maintenance Allowance allows pupils in Sixth Form schools and colleges to apply for £400 to support them with their studies.

Eligibility for EMA

  • You need to be between 16 and 19 years old on 1 September 2023.
  • You must be on a full time study programme at a recognised sixth form provision/college.
  • Your attendance on the full time study programme must be over 95%
  • Your household annual income (excluding Housing benefit and Council tax reduction) needs to be below £25,000.
  • You will need to have been a resident of Tower Hamlets for three years unless you are a refugee on the Ukraine or Afghan scheme.
  • You must not receive EFSA or a Discretionary Bursary
Apply for EMA

University Bursary

The University Bursary will support students with living costs at university. Students can apply for £1,500  to help with with their undergraduate studies.

Eligibility for University Bursary

  • You must not receive the Canary Wharf Education Trust fund.
  • You need to be over 18 years old at on 1 September 2023.
  • You must be on a full-time study programme.
  • Your household annual income (excluding Housing benefit and Council tax reduction) needs to be below £25,000.
  • You will need to have been a resident of Tower Hamlets for 3 years unless you are a refugee on the Ukraine or Afghan scheme.
Apply for University Bursary