Staying On After 16

If you want to carry on studying but are worried about money, there's support available for vocational and academic learning after your GCSEs, and it might make the difference between feeling you need to start working, or carrying on with your education.

Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA) is a national scheme, which provides an allowance for 16-19 year olds who continue education beyond Year 11. You can also be eligible for EMA if you are on a LSC funded E2E Programme or a Programme Led Apprenticeship. It offers weekly payments to young people to encourage them to participate and achieve in further education. You qualify for payments dependent on your family's income. Some students can get up to £30 a week, including bonuses, as long as they keep to their "learning agreement" with their school or college or other provider.

Local EMA information (including contacts) is available here

Local EMA Guide [PDF 32KB]

National EMA information

Free EMA helpline: 080 10 16 2 19
Website: www.dfes.gov.uk/financialhelp/ema

The EMA Leaflet "Get in the Know - A Students Guide to EMA" is available here:

Guide to EMA [PDF 2.7MB]

Benefits

When you reach 16 you may be able to claim certain benefits in your own right, even though you are still living at home.

For more information please contact the Welfare Rights Advisory Service.