On Wednesday 20th October it was announced that the Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA) scheme will be replaced by an enhanced learner support fund that will be administered by schools, colleges and training providers.
The EMA scheme will close to new applicants from 1st January 2011. Young people who are currently receiving EMA will continue to receive it for the rest of this academic year, but they will not receive it next academic year.
Further information on the learner support fund will provided once details have been outlined by the Coalition Government.