Allowance for Staying on at School

Educational Maintenance Allowances (EMAs) were introduced by the Scottish Executive in August 2004 to provide financial support to young people from low income families staying on at school after the statutory leaving age.

Young people staying on at secondary schools in the Highlands are being urged by The Highland Council’s Education, Culture and Sport Service "not to miss out" and to apply for an EMA which could be worth up to £1,500 to each pupil.

Katie MacLean, the Council’s EMA Co-ordinator said: "Eligibility is dependent on your household income and date of birth for academic year 2006/07. You must also live within the Highland Council area and be learning at school for over 21 hours a week. Successful payments are dependent on students completing a learning agreement with their school and adhering to it for the full academic year."

Anyone wishing to apply for an EMA can pick up an application form and get further information from Highland Secondary Schools and Service Points.

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For further information please contact: Katie MacLean Highland Council’s EMA Co-ordinator, The Highland Council, Education Culture and Sport Service, Area Education Office, 13 Ardross Street, Inverness, IV3 5NS. Tel: (01463) 795709 e-mail: Katie.maclean@highland.gov.uk