The scrapping of the education maintenance allowance is believed to have had an effect on college application figures.

It’s been revealed that lower enrolments have been reported across the country, with principles and headmasters blaming the scrapping of the EMA, as well as confusion about its replacement. The Association of Colleges is currently conducting a “super survey” to work out the scale of the problem. 

Prior to scrapping the scheme, the government argued that research had shown the payments had only a minor impact on young people’s decisions whether to stay in education or not. However, the new payment scheme has come under fire, with a bursary worth £1,200 a year for care-leavers, as well as a discretionary fund handed out by colleges to those who require it. Many students were believed to be unsure as to whether they qualify for the new scheme, which has led to confusion among many college students. 

Paul Davis, managing director at Perspective, commented: “If this survey finds conclusive proof that the axing of the EMA has had an effect on college attendance this will a blow to the government, especially given the criticism it has already received in the wake of scrapping scheme.”