Delay in grants to Wales’ poor students
November 15, 2008
Nearly 7,500 of poor sixth form students in Wales are yet to receive grants that are given as an encouragement to them to carry on their studies. The Education Maintenance Allowance is worth up to £30 a week. It can be currently claimed by pupils (aged 16 to 18) in school or college, who are from lower-income families.
According to an education union, the delay was not good as the vulnerable pupils might end up leaving full-time education. However, the assembly government on its part insisted all those students who qualify for the allowance will get it. Those who are still awaiting their grants will be made to wait another month at least for their payments.
Students are eligible for an allowance of £10, £20 or £30 on weekly basis depending on their household income and if they maintain a ‘satisfactory’ attendance. They can qualify for periodic additional bonuses as well (£100), if certain learning objectives are met.
The Association of Teachers and Lecturers Cymru (ATL) diectior, Philip Dixon, pointed out that the delay could well undermine work being done so far to encourage poor youngsters to study and complete their education. It could put off the most vulnerable young people from entering Further Education this year.
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