Student awards

If you are intending to undertake a course of further education, we aim to provide the answers to any questions you have about the level of financial support which may be available to you.

Education Maintenance Allowances
If you’re thinking about staying on after school but you’re worried about money, you may be able to get an Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA).

An EMA is a weekly allowance worth up to £30 for students who are aged 16 and planning to continue in further education. There are also periodic bonuses of £100 if you remain on your course and make good progress with your learning. Payments will be made direct to your bank account.

Eligibility
You can get an EMA if:

you are aged 16 years old
your household income is £30,810 or below (inome threshold for 2007/2008 academic year)
you are in further education courses (such as AS/A2, GNVQs,NVQs and GCSEs) in school sixth forms, sixth form college and FE colleges
the level of support will depend on your meeting the conditions to apply and your household income.

Applications/further information
Further information on how to apply will be available before you finish Year 11 from your school, your Connexions Personal Advisor, or your new school or college.

Application packs for the 2008/2009 academic year will be available in March/April 2008. Further information is available from your careers teacher; Connexions Personal Adviser; or dedicated EMA helpline 0808 1016219, open 7am to 8pm, Monday to Friday.

The scheme is administered by the Learning and Skills Council. Further details, or to make an application, contact http://www.direct.gov.uk/ema (opens in a new window) or the helpline number above.

Further education maintenance grants
There are no maintenance grants available from Derbyshire County Council. You should apply to the college for help through their college Learner Support Funds. Contact the Student Welfare Service at the college where you will be studying.