Education Maintenance Allowance

A new application must be submitted each year using the correct application form – these forms are available from Highland Council secondary schools and Service Points.

Academic year starting August 2008 please use EMA Application Form 2008-09

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:

EMA Unit
Area Education, Culture and Sport Office
13 Ardross Street
INVERNESS
IV3 5NS

Telephone:  01463 663804

e-mail: ema@highland.gov.uk

The current application form for young adults attending Highland Council (Scotland) 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:

www.moneymadeclear.fsa.gov.uk/products/bank_accounts/bank_accounts.html