The first of our monthly updates supporting S4 – S6 pupils in preparation for exams.

Keep an eye out every month for more help and advice.

EMA Applications – Autumn Intake Cut-off Date

We are writing to remind you that the deadline for receipt of EMA application forms for Autumn intake students, whose dates of birth fall between 1 March 2007 and 30 September 2010, is 30 September 2026.

If an EMA application is received by this office on or before 30 September 2026, the student may be eligible to receive payments backdated to the beginning of the academic year, provided that the Learning Agreement criteria have been met.

Please note that applications received after this date will continue to be accepted until 31 March 2027. However, in these circumstances, EMA payments will only be considered from the date the application is received by this office.

We would be grateful if you could highlight this deadline to students within your school, particularly those who may fall within a vulnerable category.

Thank you for your assistance and continued support.

Kind regards

EMA, Corporate Operations – Business Support

People & ICT, 3^rd Floor West

North Ayrshire Council

Cunninghame House

Irvine

KA12 8EE

To celebrate the International Ayr Show Festival of Flight, South Ayrshire Council is hosting an Aerospace Careers Event, proudly supported by DYW Ayrshire.

📅 Tuesday 8th & Wednesday 9th September

⏰ 5pm – 7pm

📍 Aviator Suite, Prestwick Airport

This event is open to S3-S6 pupils, parents, carers and educators and offers the chance to meet industry experts, learn about career pathways, and explore the skills and qualifications needed for a future in the sector.

Come along and speak to employers including:

🔹 BAE Systems

🔹 Prestwick Aerosystems

🔹 Storm Aviation Group

🔹 GE Aerospace

🔹 Woodward, Inc.

🔹 NATS Careers

🔹 The King’s Foundation

🔹 Collins Aerospace

🔹 Ryanair Engineering (PAML Ltd)

🔹 Ayrshire College

🔹 SAI Aerospace Training Ltd

Whether you’re considering apprenticeships, further study, or direct routes into employment, this is a great opportunity to gain insight into one of Scotland’s most innovative industries.

We are writing to advise that the online application process for the 2026/2027 session will open on Monday 1 June 2026. From this date, young people can submit applications by visiting www.north-ayrshire.gov.uk and searching for Education Maintenance Allowance.

Please find attached the following correspondence from our Education Service:

• Letter to Head Teachers regarding EMAs (Session 2026/2027)
• Letter to Students regarding EMAs (Session 2026/2027)
• EMA Leaflet (PDF)

Please note that a small supply of leaflets and posters will also be provided for display in prominent locations throughout your school.

For your information, young people with dates of birth between 1 March 2007 and 28 February 2011 will be eligible to apply for an EMA award in the forthcoming session.

To help promote the scheme, we would be grateful if you could arrange, early next week, to email the households of relevant young people who will be continuing after the summer break. Please include the following message:

“Education Maintenance Allowance applications for Session 2026/2027 are now available online at www.north-ayrshire.gov.uk (search Education Maintenance Allowance).”

We would also appreciate it if you could attach the student and parent/carer letters, along with the EMA leaflet, to this communication.

In addition, we kindly ask that you promote the EMA scheme on your school’s social media channels at the beginning of June, July, August, and September.

We trust this information is helpful. If you require any further information or assistance, please do not hesitate to contact the EMA team.

Kind Regards