Kate's story

Kate is in Year 12 in school sixth form, studying A level mathematics, geography and health and social care. She applied for an Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA) before she started in the sixth form and has been receiving the allowance for a year:

'I have used EMA for things like the books I need, and to buy myself lunch during the day. Anything I have left over I leave in the bank and put towards my savings for university. EMA goes straight into my bank account every week and it soon adds up. You can also get bonuses if you do well.'

To get EMA, Kate has to attend all her lessons and have her timetable signed by her tutor. She says this is sometimes a good incentive to get up in the morning and go in! Kate feels that EMA has been a real help to her and her parents:

'Mum and Dad can still claim Child Benefit for me and I have a part-time job. Getting EMA doesn't affect either of these. If I didn't get EMA I'd have to pay for everything out of my wages or ask my parents for money. It means I can be more independent.'

Kate plans to continue with her studies in Year 13 and will reapply for EMA this summer.