Government announces earn-learn education plans

Further details were published today of the means-tested educational allowances previously announced by the government in January.

The allowance will be payable to all eligible 16-year-olds at school or FE college in Northern Ireland this coming September.

Commenting on the plans, Education Minister, Mr Gardiner said: "Earlier this year, Jane Kennedy expressed her delight that, in line with the roll out throughout the rest of the UK, young people here would also be eligible for the allowance thereby reducing drop out rates from education at 16 as well as enhancing qualifications and ultimately job prospects.

"Since then, there have been a series of workshops throughout Northern Ireland to discuss with schools and FE colleges the details of the scheme and to emphasise the key role of the institutions in taking this initiative forward. These have proved very useful in revising the final details of the scheme."

Emphasising that the Northern Ireland scheme, like elsewhere in the UK, will only be applicable initially to an estimated 16,000 sixteen year olds, Mr Gardiner added: "We intend extending the scheme to the entire 16 to 19 year old age group, over the next four years.

"In the meantime, this announcement today coincides with a marketing campaign promoting the scheme which includes advertising, promotional posters and leaflets. In addition, information packs including application forms will be available in all schools and colleges this week. There will also be an informational website and telephone enquiry line."

The Minister said the aim of paying an allowance to students was to encourage participation, retention and achievement in post-compulsory education.

The level of allowance is dependent on family household and ranges from £30 per week for families on up to £19,630, £20 per week up to £24,030, and £10 per week up to £30,000.

Bonuses of £100 each paid up to three times a year may also be available to students if they can demonstrate satisfactory progress against learning objectives set out in their learning agreement and through an ongoing commitment to remain in education.

(MB)