Students Discuss EMA With MP

On Friday 28 January, Valerie Vaz MP for Walsall South visited Walsall College for a meeting with students about the recent abolition of the Education Maintenance Grant (EMA).

Joining the discussion were a selection of students who spoke about their concerns with the MP and shared their stories about what EMA has meant to them and their ability to take their studies further.

Also attending the discussion was June Morrow, Director of Student Journey; Chair of Governors, Steve Somerfield and Governor, Brian Lowe.

Valerie Vaz MP commented: “I am pleased to have met some of the students who attend Walsall College last Friday 28th January, who spoke to me about tuition fees and the loss of EMA. I will endeavour to find out what will replace this vital source of funds. The students who are in receipt of EMA told me the difficulties they will face without EMA and especially if there is a rise in tuition fees. I would say to them to carry on believing in themselves and continue in further education or training to get as much experience and skills as they can.”

June Morrow added: “We were thrilled to welcome Valerie Vaz MP to speak to the students about the issues they are currently facing with EMA. The students conducted themselves in an extremely professional manner on the day, effectively communicating what EMA has meant to them and how they feel they may cope in the future without it”.