New Grants for Schoolchildren

24 Apr 2004

Diane Abbott, MP for Hackney North and Stoke Newington, today welcomed the Government announcement of a major new scheme to encourage young people to stay on at school. The decision by the Government to adopt a nationwide system of grants or Education Maintenance Allowances (EMA's) will raise the aspirations of those already in education but will more importantly provide financial help and incentive to stay for those thinking of leaving.

Speaking today Ms Abbott said "In Hackney far too many young people leave school at sixteen. Often they do this because of financial pressure. This scheme has the potential to encourage them to stay on. As such I think it is a good thing and I welcome it . An important feature of this scheme is that it is geared to not only encouraging young people to stay on at school but with contracts and bonus's to achieve good grades. This is excellent."

Through the Government scheme every young person from a house hold with an income of £30,000 or less who stay in education after 16 will be eligible for up to £30 a week and bonuses through a contract to "earn as you learn".  The scheme will begin in September this year following successful pilot projects.

 



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