Deadline: 31-Oct-2026
The Maddock, Leicester & Burslem Fund provides education grants and university bursaries to support young people from Stoke-on-Trent and Newcastle-under-Lyme who are pursuing further or higher education. Eligible students can receive a £2,000 annual university bursary for up to three years and a one-time education grant of up to £2,000 for approved study-related expenses.
Program Overview
The Maddock, Leicester & Burslem Fund supports the education and development of young people by providing financial assistance for college and university studies.
The fund is designed for students who:
- Live in the City of Stoke-on-Trent.
- Live in the Borough of Newcastle-under-Lyme.
- Have a parent living in one of these areas.
The programme helps reduce financial barriers to education by supporting essential academic costs.
Purpose of the Fund
The fund aims to help young people access and continue education by providing support for:
- University study.
- College preparation.
- Course-related materials.
- Educational equipment.
- Academic resources.
The funding helps students manage some of the additional costs associated with higher education.
Funding Available
The fund provides two types of support:
University Bursary
Eligible students may receive:
- £2,000 per year
- For up to three years of university study
Students who receive the bursary do not need to submit a new application every year.
Continued payments depend on:
- Confirmation that the student has returned to study.
- Evidence that they are continuing their course.
Educational Grant
Students may also receive:
- A one-off grant of up to £2,000
This funding supports approved educational purchases and study-related expenses.
Who Is Eligible?
Applicants must meet the following requirements:
- Normally aged between 15 and 21 years old.
- Live in Stoke-on-Trent or Newcastle-under-Lyme, or have a parent living in one of these areas.
- Be preparing to start college or university.
- Already be enrolled in college or university studies.
Students who have already started their education programme can also apply.
Eligible Educational Expenses
Funding can support:
- Required books.
- Course-related software subscriptions.
- Administrative education costs.
- Course equipment and materials.
- Initial college deposits.
- Other necessary college-related expenses.
Specialist clothing may be considered if it is required for a specific course.
Expenses Not Supported
The fund does not normally cover:
- Travel costs.
- Vehicle running expenses.
- General living expenses.
- Everyday spending.
- Everyday clothing.
- Purchase of new computers.
- Field trips.
Applicants should ensure requested costs are directly connected to their education.
Application Requirements
Applicants should provide supporting documents, including:
- Proof of university offer.
- GCSE results.
- AS or A Level results.
- Equivalent academic qualifications.
Students already studying should provide relevant evidence of their current course and educational status.
How to Apply
Applicants should:
- Confirm eligibility based on age, location, and education status.
- Gather required academic documents.
- Explain their educational plans and funding needs.
- Submit the completed application with supporting evidence.
- Wait for assessment and funding decisions.
How the Bursary Works
The bursary follows a multi-year support structure:
- Student applies and receives approval.
- Funding is provided during university study.
- Annual payments continue without a new application.
- The student confirms continued enrolment each year.
Why This Fund Matters
Education costs can create barriers for young people pursuing college and university opportunities.
The Maddock, Leicester & Burslem Fund helps students by:
- Improving access to higher education.
- Supporting academic success.
- Reducing financial pressure.
- Helping young people invest in their future careers.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Applicants should avoid:
- Applying without proof of educational status.
- Requesting funding for unsupported expenses.
- Not explaining how funds will support education.
- Missing required academic documents.
- Applying without checking location eligibility.
Tips for a Strong Application
Applicants can improve their applications by:
- Clearly describing their educational goals.
- Providing complete documentation.
- Explaining why financial support is needed.
- Listing specific course-related expenses.
- Applying early before education costs are incurred.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who can apply for the Maddock, Leicester & Burslem Fund?
Young people aged approximately 15–21 who live in Stoke-on-Trent or Newcastle-under-Lyme, or whose parent lives in these areas, can apply if they are preparing for or attending further education.
How much funding can students receive?
Students may receive a university bursary of £2,000 per year for up to three years and a one-off educational grant of up to £2,000.
Can students who have already started university apply?
Yes. Students who have already started their studies are eligible to apply.
Do students need to apply every year for the bursary?
No. Bursary recipients do not need to reapply annually, but continued payments require confirmation that they remain enrolled.
What can the education grant be used for?
The grant can support books, software subscriptions, course materials, equipment, administrative costs, and other approved education-related expenses.
Can funding be used to buy a new laptop or computer?
No. The purchase of new computers is not supported under the fund.
Does the fund cover living expenses?
No. General living expenses and everyday costs are not eligible for funding.
Conclusion
The Maddock, Leicester & Burslem Fund provides valuable financial support for young people pursuing college and university education in Stoke-on-Trent and Newcastle-under-Lyme. Through university bursaries and education grants, the fund helps students overcome financial barriers and access the resources needed to successfully continue their studies.
For more information, visit The Community Foundation for Staffordshire.