Cash inducements of more than £32 million were paid out last year to keep youngsters on at school, writes Steve Bargeton.

Figures out yesterday showed that almost 40,000 16 to 18-year-olds were receiving payments under the Educational Maintenance Allowance (EMA) scheme last year—up 6.3% on the previous year.

Last night the Scottish Tories described the payments as a “bribe that isn’t working.”

The Scottish Government is considering radical changes to the controversial scheme.

The figures show that a total of 38,760 young people received between £10 and £30 a week to stay on at school.

Of the £32.4 million spent on the scheme, £7 million went in bonus payments.

Youngsters can qualify for twice-yearly bonus payments of £150 for good attendance and completing a course.

The scheme began operating Scotland-wide for 16-year-olds in 2004, and was later extended to 17 and 18-year-olds.

The Conservatives have long been unhappy with the idea of EMAs and their education spokeswoman Liz Smith last night said many of the youngsters receiving payments would have been able to afford to stay on at school or college anyway.

“More worryingly, the scheme is also not effectively structured to ensure that youngsters are applying themselves during their time at school or college,” she added.

“More than 10,000 students were only on the scheme for part of the year, suggesting a high drop-out rate.

“Additionally, 16% of those that did last the year failed to receive either of the bonus payments— presumably because they failed to meet their learning agreements.

“As it is, EMAs were brought in as a bribe to keep children in school and it isn’t working.”

Education Secretary Fiona Hyslop confirmed that the scheme is under review.

“It’s important that all 16 to 19-year-olds who need more choices and chances get the support they need at this vital stage,” she said.

“That’s why we are currently undertaking a wider review of EMAs and I expect to receive the results of this shortly.”

Labour’s Rhona Brankin defended the scheme.

“Education maintenance allowances were designed to encourage young people to stay on at school and make a long-term difference to their life chances,” she said.

“The scheme needs to be encouraged rather than slashed by this SNP government.

“Recent figures show that 13% of Scottish young people leave school without going on to education, training or employment.

“Unless we maximise the opportunities for every young person in Scotland, we will lag behind the rest of the UK.”