So What's So Good About EMA?

If you’re staying on in learning after 16 and are worried about being short of cash, think again, because Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA) can help you stay on course for a brighter future.

Carry on Learning..
& Get your hands on some extra cash!

Education Maintenance Allowance (or EMA for short) could give you up to £30 a week to help out with the costs of staying in learning after 16.

The money’s paid directly into your bank account. Once it’s there, you can use it to pay for whatever you like – for example, books, travel or equipment.

This helps you concentrate on learning without worrying so much about money.

Shape Your Future with EMA

Whatever you learn after 16, it could be your springboard to getting good training, better qualifications, a decent job… and higher pay later on, too.

Experts have predicted that by 2010, fewer jobs will be open to people without at least five good GCSEs or the equivalent (such as an NVQ level 2). So the more qualifications you get, the more choice and earning potential you’ll have.

To help you choose the learning option that’s best for your future, see ‘Choices at 16 – what’s right for you’.