Latest News

Following the House of Commons debate and vote on Wednesday regarding Educational Maintenance Allowance (EMA) at the House of Commons, MP for Huddersfield Barry Sheerman has asked to talk to some of the students affected at Kirklees College.

Mr Sheerman will be visiting the college's student union on Friday 21 January to meet with students and gain an understanding of the issues the students will have to face without the weekly support.

Director of student services, Huw Thomas said, "The college is still waiting for clarification on how it can support the students immediately affected by the abolition of EMA, and would welcome any support that leads to official guidance on funding for students this academic year.

College's across the UK are also eager to find out whether the adjustment to the learner support fund for next year will provide the equivalent support to those most in need. If this is the case, Kirklees College would require a learner support fund approximately 11 times more than the one we currently receive.

The students will be able to give Mr Sheerman an insight into the reasons for their funded support including transport, food and other subsistence costs associated with coming to college."

Barry Sheerman MP will attend Kirklees College's student union at 12pm on Friday 21 January and will be available for a photograph with willing students at 12.30pm.

Kirklees College issued a briefing note to all four MPs prior to the debate on Wednesday explaining the EMA situation at Kirklees College. Currently 2,660 out of 3,403 (78%) 16-18 year old full time learners receive EMA, due to the college's demographic.