No bank account, no course payout

Thousands of 16 year olds could miss out on money to help them stay
in education because they do not have suitable bank accounts, the
Learning and Skills Council warned this week.

Figures from Mori show that almost a quarter of 16 year olds in
England do not have the valid current or savings accounts needed to
apply for education maintenance allowance. The council estimates
that about half of these are likely to be entitled to the
money.

It is urging them to open an account so they can apply for the
allowance, which is intended as an incentive for young people to
stay in education.