P4 


Save the EMA!





Buried in the cuts announced last October was the decision to axe the education maintenance allowance (EMA), weekly payments of £10 to £30 for 16 to 18 year old full-time students from low income families. The response was a nationwide campaign to save it, led by sixth form and further education students. The outcome was a partial but significant Government u-turn.


The campaign raised awareness of the importance of the scheme. Many students said the EMA was essential to the family budget. Their families were also more likely to encourage them to attend college if they could support themselves. It became clear that abolishing EMA would place a burden on low income families. Clea Cal, an A level student from Brook House Sixth Form College (BSix), explains:


“EMA… is almost a third of our weekly income. It means me not asking my mum for money she doesn’t have, it means me being able to make a contribution. We’re going through a recession where educated, adults can’t get a job, so the chances of me finding one are scarce.”


Teachers pointed out that the allowance had a positive impact on student retention and encouraged students to enrol – and that students only received it if they were on time and completed their work.


Teacher Lois Lovell comments: “The introduction of EMA had an immediate impact. It worked as an incentive to


 


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