Student bursary consultation opportunity to 'radically strengthen' social work, says BASW
BASW Interim CEO, Professor Sam BaronRemoving barriers to entry through better bursary funding is critical if we are to start radically and urgently strengthening our whole profession.
The Department for Education says it wants to "bring down barriers and aim to improve access to a vital career" by maximising the effectiveness of the existing Social Work Bursary (SWB) and the Education Support Grant (ESB). It follows revelations that around 1,500 social work student bursaries were unclaimed in 2024-25.
The plans have been set out in a consultation running for eight weeks until 7 April 2026, which seeks views on how the schemes could be reformed to better support current and prospective students. Responses can be submitted online here: Proposed changes to the Social Work Bursary and the Education Support Grant - GOV.UK
BASW and SWU have jointly led the push at Westminster for stronger and fairer financial support for social work students in England in recent years, with the need for reform a key pillar of BASW's General Election Manifesto - Time to Get it Right.
Responding to the announcement, BASW Interim Chief Executive, Professor Sam Baron said:
"BASW and SWU have long fought for stronger, fairer financial support for social work students in line with other professions. Social work students have felt the brunt of a freeze in support for over a decade, as well as inequitable availability, and it is long before time that the system is reformed.
"It’s no secret that social work is facing a serious staffing crisis across England and the declining uptake of bursaries is cause for worry. Removing barriers to entry, particularly for those from low-income backgrounds, through better bursary funding is critical if we are to start radically and urgently strengthening our whole profession.
"It’s welcome that the government is showing intent but, as always, the devil will be in the detail. We’re also pleased that the Education Support Grant is included in the consultation, which similarly desperately needs radical reform.
"BASW will be representing our members by fully engaging with Ministers to ensure that improvements are finally forthcoming, and we urge all students, higher education institutions and employers to make their voice heard too through the consultation."
Responses are encouraged to be submitted to the consultation directly on the link below but, if BASW members have particular feedback they would like BASW England to reflect in their response, please contact us at england@basw.co.uk
Not a BASW member yet? If you're a social work student, why not join us and help bolster our campaign for improved support. Our discounted student rate, which includes study resources and career advice, is only £5.39 a month! Find out more here.
