Alasdair staying on at school
In S4 Alasdair gained 8 Standard grades including a Credit in Craft and Design. He is studying this subject at Higher this year and will gain 4 more passes at Intermediate 1 and 2 levels - further improving his qualifications.
As Alasdair's 16th birthday is in May and he is from a family with a low income he is eligible for an Education Maintenance Allowance of £30 per week from when he starts 5th year in August. He will be eligible for 2 bonus payments of £150 each if he makes good progress on his course.
(If Alasdair's birthday was on or after 1 October, his EMA payments would begin in January and he would only be eligible for 1 bonus payment if he makes good progress on his course.)
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 has allowed Alasdair to contribute to the household expenses as well as giving him a certain amount of financial independence and responsibility.