Burnham: 'EMA helps students concentrate on studies'

Seven out of ten teenagers receiving Education Maintenance Allowance might drop out of school if their grant is abolished, according to student and college groups.

They are holding a day of action today, to protest at the government's decision to scrap the grant, which can be worth £30 a week.

A survey of more than 700 teenagers who receive the EMA, indicated that two out of three receive no other financial support from their families.

Labour's education spokesman Andy Burnham said the payments help students concentrate on their studies as they do not have to get a part time job.