Maddie faced challenges when she first enrolled in A-levels at sixth form, ultimately having to leave due to her part-time job impacting her studies and attendance. However, upon resuming her A-levels at Coleg y Cymoedd, she began receiving the Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA), which has allowed her to concentrate on her education. The £40 weekly payment has alleviated some of her financial worries, enabling her to prioritize her studies without the burden of a job. Unfortunately, fewer 16 to 18-year-olds in Wales now qualify for this means-tested benefit, and the income threshold has remained unchanged for over a decade. The Welsh government is contemplating a slight increase in this threshold.

Maddie was encouraged to apply for EMA when she restarted her studies last year. Although she would have qualified for the allowance during her time in sixth form, she did not apply then. Commuting from Treorchy to the college campus involves an 80-minute bus ride that is covered by a bus pass, but she still faces numerous expenses for food, stationery, and clothing. She expressed gratitude for not needing to ask her parents for money anymore, stating it reduces the pressure on them. Previously, while attending sixth form, Maddie felt compelled to work due to financial constraints and ended up prioritizing work over school responsibilities. This led to difficulties in managing her coursework and ultimately resulted in leaving school.

Now with EMA support, Maddie can focus on her college work and revise effectively. Her friend Olwen highlighted that although there are more resources available at college, many students still struggle with transport and basic supplies.

Since the 2010-11 academic year, the number of students receiving EMA has significantly decreased from over 36,000 to just above 16,000 by 2023-24. At Coleg y Cymoedd, the percentage of students receiving this allowance has dropped from around 55-60% a decade ago to approximately 40% today. College principal Jonathan Morgan noted that students who are on the cusp of qualifying often miss out due to slight income excesses.

The EMA is designed as a means-tested payment for students aged 16-18 who continue their education after mandatory schooling. Students qualify if their household income is £20,817 or less or up to £23,077 if there are other dependents. The Welsh government increased the allowance from £30 to £40 per week in April 2023. While EMA continues in Wales and Scotland, it was abolished in England in favor of a bursary scheme.

For Cloie-May from Bangor, support through EMA means she can afford small purchases at college without stress. She mentioned that while she usually carries a water bottle for performing arts classes, having extra funds allows for additional drinks when needed.

Dr. Steffan Evans from the Bevan Foundation emphasized that EMA helps young people continue their education rather than resorting to low-paid jobs. He pointed out that many low-income families are being excluded from this support due to the stagnant income threshold. A review indicated broad agreement that this threshold needs adjustment to address rising living costs effectively.