When did EMA stop in England?

The Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA) in England officially stopped in 2011.

The decision to discontinue the Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA) was announced by the UK's Coalition government in 2010. This announcement reflected a shift in policy, driven by several key factors at the time.

Key Reasons for Ending EMA

The decision to end EMA was influenced by:

• Changed Policy Context: A significant change was the policy to raise the participation age for education or training to 18, which altered the perceived need for financial incentives for younger students.
• Austerity Measures: Amidst broader economic challenges, austerity measures impacted most areas of public spending, leading to a review and reduction of various government programs, including EMA.

What was Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA)?

EMA was a government-funded scheme designed to provide financial support to 16-19 year olds from low-income households in England who stayed in education after compulsory schooling. The aim was to encourage continued participation in post-16 learning by helping with the costs associated with studying, such as travel, books, and equipment.

Transition and Impact

Following the 2010 announcement, the EMA scheme was phased out. New applications for the allowance ceased, and existing recipients continued to receive payments until their courses concluded, typically by the end of the 2010/2011 academic year, leading to its full cessation in 2011.

The ending of EMA sparked considerable debate regarding its impact on student retention and educational attainment, particularly for disadvantaged young people. Various studies and reports have since analyzed the effects of its discontinuation on participation rates in further education.

Timeline of EMA in England

For further information on the broader context of student finance and support in the UK, you can explore resources from official government bodies and educational institutions.