Education Maintenance Allowances Awarded in Wales - Update at end of November 2011

This monthly Statistical First Release presents information on the number of applications for Education Maintenance Allowances (EMAs) by students studying in Wales for the period up to 30 November 2011. The EMA Wales scheme was introduced for 16 year olds for the first time in 2004/05. In 2005/06, the scheme was extended to include 16 and 17 year olds and, in 2006/07, 18 year olds. The scheme is designed to provide an incentive for students from lower-income families to continue and remain in full-time education. It is a weekly allowance linked to satisfactory attendance, for eligible students attending learning centres in Wales.

From academic year 2011/12, the criteria for new EMA students receiving the £30 award has changed, and the £10 and the £20 awards are no longer available. Students new to EMA may qualify for an award of £30 per week, depending on household income and family circumstances. Students who received EMA in 2010/11 who are returning to education and meet the same eligibility criteria as for 2010/11 will continue to get their EMA, be it for £10, £20 or £30 per week. No further bonus payments (previously paid in September, January and July) will be made to any students.

The data, based on applications received by 30 November 2011, are correct as at 5 December 2011.

The key points from the latest release are:

• As at 30 November 2011, approved applications were down 9 per cent on last year, whilst the total number of applications received was down by 10 per cent.
• A total of 33,760 EMA Wales applications have been received for academic year 2011/12.
• 31,840 (94 per cent) of applications received have been approved, 605 (2 per cent) have been rejected and 1,265 (4 per cent) are incomplete(1).

(1) These are applications that are “missing information” (e.g. no date of birth included) or “missing evidence” (e.g. birth certificate).

Further information

StatsWales website.

Contact

Tel: 029 2082 3895
E-mail: post16ed.stats@wales.gsi.gov.uk

Next update

11 January 2012