Education Maintenance Allowance

If you're 16 this summer, there's a whole world of decisions and options waiting for you after school. Whether you're thinking about doing A levels, a vocational course, or GCSE resits, staying at school or branching out to college, getting your hands on some much needed money is going to be high on your list of priorities.

If you're worried about being short of cash if you carry on studying in England, think again, because the new Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA) (external link) can help you stay on course for a brighter future.

EMA pays up to £30 a week directly into your bank account if you stay on in education at school or college after your GCSE s.

It's your money so you decide how to spend it. If you're entitled, you'll receive your EMA payment every week of your course as long as you turn up to your classes. Most young people will be able to get EMA for two to three years depending on how long they need to finish their studies.

You can  request an application pack online at the EMA Website (external link)