School's cool! Maybe not … but thanks to the Government's new Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA) it may now become profitable for children who previously didn't want, or couldn't afford, to carry on studying after compulsory level.
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In order to apply students must turn 16 before 31 August in the year they wish to enter Further Education. Anyone from households with a total income of less than £30,800 (this is based on earnings from the previous tax year) will be eligible providing they stay on at school or college and show commitment and good attendance.
There are some exceptions relating to age, citizenship or the specific course; the details can be checked out on the DFES website.
Do you have to be studying for A Levels?
No, the courses can be academic or vocational, and can even be retakes of GCSEs. As long as you undertake 12 hours of guided learning per week then this will qualify you. This can be in a school sixth-form, sixth-form college or any FE institution.
The EMA is an income-assessed benefit with three possible bands.
| How much can you get? | |
| Household Income | EMA entitlement per week |
| Up to £20,800 | £30 |
| £20,801 - £25,500 | £20 |
| £25,501 - £30,800 | £10 |
The bonus system can give out £100 payments up to 5 times throughout the course, and this is where the political aims of the scheme become clear. It is based on progress, commitment to the course and the achievement of specific goals agreed between you and your school or college.
EMA will be paid weekly into your bank, and any current or savings account can be used. Once it's in there, it's yours to do whatever you want with; CDs and partying or travel and text books. Pupils can also continue to work part-time and use the EMA to top up their income, and no other benefits received by the household will be affected.
Apply online with the DFES or ring the EMA Helpline. Each applicant must provide proof of their household income, and this can be done using a Tax Credit Award Notice or by presenting a P60. Then, simply give your bank details and Bob's your uncle (or your Aunt if it's Roberta).
Make sure you do this before the new academic year begins to ensure you receive payments right from the off.
Those who aren't eligible may be entitled to money from the Learner Support Fund (LSF). This system provides one-off payments to help fund travel, or the purchase of equipment and books, and can be applied for either through a college or directly to the LEA.
September 2003 saw the launch of Adult Learning Grants, the mature learners equivalent of EMA, also offering payments of up to £30 per week. Although it's currently only being piloted in 28 selected areas in the
ALG is assessed by household income, but this time it‘s the income of the learner, or joint income if you live with a partner who's in paid employment.
| How much can you get? | ||
| Sole Household Income | Joint Household Income | EMA entitlement per week |
| Up to £11,500 | Up to £19,000 | £30 |
| £11,501 - £15,000 | £19,001 - £23,000 | £20 |
| £15,001 - £19,000 | £23,001 - £30,000 | £10 |
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