Number of students receiving Educational Maintenance Allowance (EMA): FOI release

1) The average number of students who were eligible for Educational Maintenance Allowance (EMA) in Schools for each academic year from 2014/15 to present, broken down by local authority. If exact figures are not known, I would be grateful if you could provide me with any relevant estimates of the total number of students eligible.

2) The total number of students in Schools who were in receipt of EMA for each academic year from 2014/15 to present, broken down by local authority.

I enclose a copy of some of the information you requested.

The answer to question 1) is that there is no comprehensive data which allows the Scottish Government to record who is eligible for EMA.

The answer to question 2) is that the total number of students in Schools who were in receipt of EMA for each academic year from 2014/15 to present, broken down by local authority is available from the attached web link under supporting files https://beta.gov.scot/publications/education-maintenance-allowances-2016-17-9781788518536/.

Under section 25(1) of FOISA, we do not have to give you information which is already reasonably accessible to you.  If, however, you do not have internet access to obtain this information from the website listed, then please contact me again and I will send you a paper copy.