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Staying at school
If you wish to stay on at school after your school leaving date you may be eligible for an Education Maintenance Allowance ( EMA) which provides financial support to young people from low-income households. This can be up to £30 a week during term time.
Income thresholds for 2006/07 | Weekly amount during term time |
|---|
£0 - £20,750 | £30 |
£20,751 - 25,446 | £20 |
£25,447 - 30,720 | £10 |
Two bonuses of £150 may also be available if you remain on your course and make good progress.
Here is an example of how an EMA might work:
| Alasdair is staying on at school |
|---|
 In S4 Alasdair gained eight Standard grades including a Credit in Craft and Design. He is studying this subject at Higher this year and will gain four more passes at Intermediate 1 and 2 level to improve his qualifications. Alasdair wants to start an apprenticeship in the construction industry, hopefully joinery, in the near future. He knows that staying on at school has helped him get the qualifications he needs to secure a place. The Education Maintenance Allowance has meant that he has been able to stay on and complete his S5 studies instead of having to find a job. The EMA paid to Alasdair has helped him contribute to the household expenses as well as giving him a certain amount of financial independence and responsibility. |
EMAs are being introduced in stages. More information on EMAs is available from your school, college or local authority, and also from the websitewww.emascotland.com
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