Back to school with an EMA

Young people in the Highlands who have decided to stay on at Secondary school are being reminded by The Highland Council’s Education, Culture and Sport Service that it’s not too late to apply for an Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA).

This reminder for applications for the academic year 2008/09 is to ensure that young people do not miss out on the EMA award which could be worth up to £1,500 to each pupil if eligible.

An EMA is a weekly payment of up to £30, paid directly to eligible young people who stay on in school after they reach statutory leaving age. Young people may also be eligible for two bonuses of £150 if they remain on their course and make the necessary progress with their learning.

Highland Council’s EMA Co-ordinator, Katie Moir said: "After getting their exam results some young people may have decided to stay on at school.  So far, this year we are not getting as many students applying in the £30 weekly banding which is aimed at families on a household income of less than £21,835. We want to ensure that anyone who is eligible for an EMA takes advantage of the scheme.”

Application forms and further information are available throughout the Highland Council area from Secondary Schools, Service Points and the Council’s web site: http://www.highland.gov.uk/ema.htm