Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA)

We have today received confirmation from the Scottish Government regarding EMA for the new 2010-2011 session. An extract from their announcement follows:

“The current economic climate led to more young people staying in learning last session, with significant increased demand for EMA.

We expect a similar level of demand next academic year and for this reason we have had to take steps to manage that additional demand within the resources we have available. These include making adjustments to the EMA programme in 2010 – 11.

The first change is that, from academic year 2010-11, bonus payments will no longer be part of the programme.

The second is that, given the anticipated pressures on the budget this financial year, we will review the EMA programme in December 2010 and consider whether further adjustments are needed.

Any awards issued to young people for academic year 2010-11 are therefore only guaranteed until December. I fully appreciate that the mid-year review point may cause additional work for your staff and uncertainty both for staff and young people.”

Information on this page will be amended to reflect these changes in due course. We have been advised that the master application form should be distributed to authorities in the next few days. The EMA section will arrange for our own supply to be made available as soon as possible.