For details of bursaries, school clothing and school meals grants please refer to the heading located In This Section.
The Grant Aid Policy is currently under review, further details regarding this policy can be obtained from:
Jeanie Graham
External Funding Manager
Education, Culture & Sport Service
Glenurquhart Road
Inverness
IV3 5NX
Tel: 01463-702064
E-mail: jeannie.graham@highland.gov.uk
Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA)
A new application must be submitted each year using the correct application form
Academic year starting August 2007 please use EMA Applicaton Form 2007/08
The information below is intended as a general guide and it should not be regarded as a statement of the statutory position
Contact EMA Unit for further information
The current application form for young adults attending Highland Council schools can be downloaded from the link on the right. Young adults attending college or university should apply direct to the college or university
What is an EMA?
An Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA) is an allowance of up to £30 per week payable to eligible young adults who stay on in full-time education at school or college after their 16th birthday. It can be paid for a maximum of 3 consecutive years, with, usually, 2 years at most in secondary school.
The young person has to satisfy attendance requirements and also, they have to complete a Learning Agreement (LA) - a contract between the young person and their school or college before payments can be issued.
NOTE – no payments will be issued until a LA has been completed. The School will then notify the EMA Unit that the LA has been completed. The school will authorise the necessary weeks owing and payments will be picked up at the next available payment date.
It is the responsibility of the young adult applying to approach their school in regard to completing their Learning Agreement.
For more information see Frequently Asked Questions
Information about bank accounts and financial issues can be obtained from this link
There are a number of forms relating to EMA which are located in the Current Documents Section:
- Pupil Self Certification Sickness Absence - this form should be used by all EMA applicants for verifyinig sickness absence
- 21 hours form - this form to be used to verify that the student does 21 hours of course work every week (already on EMA Application Form however this can be used if a student has been requested this information if it had not been completed on their EMA Application Form)
- ASN form - this should be completed by parent whose young adult has special needs and handed into the school
- Terms and Conditions for Students - Highland Council EMA Programme terms and conditions which all awarded students of EMA must adhere to. (This is attached to the award letter sent to the student)
- EMA Payment Dates for Students - this is the EMA payment schedule for all awarded EMA students and gives information on when payments are to be paid and cut off dates.
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For further information about EMA for young adults attending schools in the Highland Council Area contact:
EMA Unit
Area Education Office
13 Ardross Street
INVERNESS
IV3 5NS
Telephone number: 01463 663804
ema@highland.gov.uk
For general information about EMA in Scotland see the web site:
http://www.emascotland.com/
Scottish Government – write to:
Education Maintenance Allowance
Higher Education and Learner Support Dividsion
Enterprise Transport and Lifelong Learning
Europa Buidling
450 Argyle Street
Glasgow
G2 8LG
Tel 0141 252 0134
Those applying to another local autority in Scotland
http://www.emascotland.com/newcontactla.htm
Information for those applying for England/Wales
EMA Helpline: 080 810 162 19
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