Education Maintenance Allowances awarded in Wales - update at end of February 2013

These monthly statistics present information on the number of applications for Education Maintenance Allowances (EMAs) by students studying in Wales for the period up to 28 February 2013. 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 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. The performance bonus payments (previously paid in September, January and July) were removed at the end of academic year 2010/2011, and are no longer paid out to any students.

The data, based on applications received by 28 February 2013, are correct as at 4 March 2013.

The key points from the latest release are:

• as at 28 February 2013, approved applications were down 8 per cent on last year, whilst the total number of applications received was down by 6 per cent
• a total of 31,970 EMA Wales applications had been received for academic year 2012/13
• 30,235 (95 per cent) of applications received were approved, 830 (3 per cent) were rejected and 865 (3 per cent) were incomplete(1)

Notes

(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 (external link)

Contact

Tel: 029 2082 3895
Email: post16ed.stats@wales.gsi.gov.uk

Next update

17 April 2013