EMA Flashcards
Intro
Further policies that have been introduced to tackle social inequalities includes Educational Maintenance allowance (EMA).
Explain 1
This is a support eligible young people from low-income households in Scotland to participate in learning and further education and close the attainment gap amongst the most and least affluent pupils.
Example 1
For example, in 2023, 15,135 secondary school pupils across Scotland received EMA.
Analysis 1
This means they had a higher chance of succeeding and attaining qualifications than if EMA did not exist and better prepares these individuals for avoiding the implications of low education and skills on their future socio-economic circumstance.
Rebuttal
However, many people may argue that Free Higher Tuition Fees in Scotland have been far more successful
Explain 2
This is because its introduction has helped close the gap between the most and least affluent in educational attainment. It is a student funding provided by SAAS which will pay for 5 years of study. This is usually a 4 year degree plus a 1 year additional course, or a 1 repetition of study for the same year.
Example 2
Statistics show that around 16.5% of entrants into Higher education in Scotland are from Scotland’s most deprived 20%.
Analysis 2
This suggests a positive indicator of progress, suggesting that efforts to improve access and support for disadvantaged students are having some success in increasing their representation in higher education.
Link
Overall, this shows that despite it being known that EMA alone cannot successfully tackle the attainment gap in Scotland, it has given a better chance for people in deprivation to succeed. The Free Tuition fees are a great success in Scotland; however, this is not replicated in England where some young people won’t get the same opportunity as others to attend college or university.
