16+ and staying in education?

Know anyone who's 16 and thinking of continuing in education, or doing approved, unwaged training?

You need to know about EMA (Education Maintenance Allowance).

• Open to 16-year-olds staying on at school or going to college in England after GCSEs
• Payments of £10, £20 or £30 a week
• If they make good progress, they can earn up to £500 in bonuses
• Open to families with a household income of up to £30,810 a year
• Does not affect any benefits or students' part-time earnings

Students must ‘earn’ their EMA. They sign a contract with their school, college or training provider that lets them know what is expected of them in terms of attendance and progress. EMA is then paid straight to the young person, so they'll need a bank account to apply.

Pick up an application pack from school.

For more information call the free helpline on 080 810 16 2 19 or visit www.direct.gov.uk/ema