£28 million learning support

The money invested in the Educational Maintenance Allowances (EMAs) increased to £28.2 million in 2013/14.

The allowance – no longer available in England – was provided to 34,955 school and college students in Scotland in 2013/14.

34 per cent of those receiving EMAs come from Scotland’s 20 per cent most deprived areas, an increase from 33 per cent the previous year.

Of the 34,955 receiving EMAs in 2013-14 69 percent were school pupils and 31 per cent college students.

Minister for Youth Employment Annabelle Ewing said:

“Today’s young people can choose from a much more varied path through education into work that properly reflects their interests, skills and ambitions through an increasing focus on vocational study; the Opportunities for All guarantee of an offer of place in education, training or work for all 16 to 19 years olds who need it and progress in widening access to college and university.

“This year more school pupils and college students from the poorest backgrounds received EMAs, clearly demonstrating how vital they are in helping those from low income families stay on in education to enhance their talents and knowledge, gain the qualifications employers want and help them fulfill their potential.

“While there was a decrease of 1.6 per cent in the number of people supported from the previous year, the amount of funding distributed this year increased by £0.4m to £28.2m. This reflects an increase in the number of payments made, likely due to improved attendance among EMA recipients in 2013/14 or pupils qualifying for the award earlier in the year and receiving payments for longer.

“I am in a fortunate position to regularly meet the incredible, talented young people coming through our schools and colleges with the best exams results we have ever seen and record recognised qualifications.

“EMAs are a lifeline to the students who receive them; contributing towards books, travel costs and potentially savings for going onto further or higher education.

“The regular grants ensure that a low family income will not hamper the prospects of our young people, which is why we remain committed to them and are constantly looking at how we build on the thousands of successful students that they have supported over the last decade.”

EMA is available to 16 to 19 year olds in school or college from low taxable household income. Awards of £30 are paid to recipients on a weekly basis for 100% attendance at school or college.