Education Maintenance Allowances Awarded in Wales, 2009/10

This Statistical First Release presents information on the number of Education Maintenance Allowances (EMAs) awarded to students aged 16, 17 and 18 in further education in Welsh schools and further education institutions.

The data, based on applications received by 31 August 2010, are correct as at 9 September 2010.

The key points from the latest release are:

• By 31 August 2010, a total of 38,500 EMA Wales applications had been received for 2009/10, an increase of 9 per cent compared with the same point in 2008/09.
• 36,190 (94 per cent) of applications received were approved, whilst 950 (2 per cent) applications were rejected.
• 19,540 (54 per cent) of approved applications were from first year claimants, an increase of 10 per cent compared with 2008/09.
• 84 per cent of approved applications were from students with a household income of £21,885 or less and thus were entitled to the maximum EMA of £30 per week.
• 16,680 (46 per cent) of approved applications in 2009/10 were for 16 year olds. 14,080 (39 per cent) were for 17 year olds and 5,430 (15 per cent) were for 18 year olds and over.
• Retention bonuses were paid in September to 14,500 students continuing their studies from 2008/09, an increase of 14 per cent compared with the same stage last year.

Further information

StatsWales website.

Contact

Tel: 029 2082 1514
E-mail: post16ed.stats@wales.gsi.gov.uk

Next update

January 2011 (provisional - to be confirmed on the 'Due Out Soon' page)