Methodist College Belfast Discretionary Funding Policy 1
METHODIST COLLEGE BELFAST
Policy Responsibility: Principal
Date Ratified: February 2026
Ratified by: Board of Governors
Next Reviewed Date: February 2027
Contents Introduction ...............................................................................................................................3 How to Apply for Funding ..........................................................................................................3 Level and Allocation of Funding .................................................................................................3 Examples of Assistance ......................................................................................................4 Appendix 1 .................................................................................................................................5
Introduction Support is available from the College to help pupils from financially disadvantaged backgrounds participate in the life and work of the College. This Discretionary Fund is disbursed by the Principal and financed by annual contributions from the MCB Former Pupils’ Association – Methody Collegians. The list at the end of this policy provides an indication of how this money is used but is by no means comprehensive.
How to Apply for Funding Requests for funding should be made in writing to the Principal using the Discretionary Funding Application Form (see Appendix 1). Applications will be considered by a panel consisting of the Principal, a Vice-Principal and a member of the Board of Governors. The following information must be provided to allow an informed decision to be made: • • •
Details of how the funding will be used (e.g. uniform, school trip). Detailed costs. Evidence of household income (e.g. pay slips, bank statements, benefits statements).
Applications for assistance will be considered at any time.
Level and Allocation of Funding The total amount of funding available will vary from year to year depending on the level of contributions from the FPA, any funds remaining from the previous year and the number of applications made. Once it has been allocated it will not be possible to consider any additional requests until the following academic year. The level of assistance provided will be at the discretion of the Principal. He/she will be guided by the NI median annual salary (currently £37,100 according to the Northern Ireland Statistics & Research Agency) and will give priority to those applications where the household income (before tax) is less than or equal to 75% of this amount (ie £ £27,825). The amount of assistance provided may be up to, but not exceeding, 2/3 of the itemised cost. A receipt for items purchased must be provided to the College.
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Priority will be given to requests for assistance towards the cost of essential items of school uniform. Application for assistance with the cost of an extra-curricular trip or visit may only be made once during a pupil’s time at the College. Examples of Assistance • • •
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Purchase of essential items of school uniform (including pockets for honours if awarded). Travel and residential costs incurred due to a request from the College to represent the College as an individual, as part of a group or as part of a team. Compulsory curriculum/career trips and visits.
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Appendix 1 Application for Discretionary Funding Please complete all sections of this form and return it, with evidence of income, to the Principal at the address below. Any additional information you may wish to supply in support of your application should be included on a separate sheet. Name of Pupil:
Class:
Address: Purpose for which funding is required:
Cost:
Have you applied for and received funding before?
Yes (give date)
Purpose for which funding was used:
Amount:
No
Current household income (before tax):
Proof of income supplied (please list the documents you are sending with this letter):
I declare that the information that I have given on this form is correct and complete. The provision of false information may result in proceedings being taken by Methodist College. Signed:
Date:
For Office Use Only Date received:
Amount awarded:
Transfer made:
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METHODIST COLLEGE BELFAST