Welsh students at Walford and North Shropshire College will not lose their education maintenance allowance by opting to study across the English border.

English teenagers are expected to lose the EMA grant, which gives them up to £30 a week for continuing in further education. But the Welsh Assembly has pledged to keep the grant.

Andrew Tyley, principal of the college, which has campuses in Oswestry and north Shropshire said news that the grant would be available for those students who come to England for courses was good news during worrying times for young people.

“We have contacted our MP, Owen Paterson, to protest about the probable withdrawal of the education maintenance allowance for English students.

“What we have been told is that there will be funding available for colleges to help those who are in genuine need. We are urging students and their parents who are concerned about how they are going to cope without the allowance to contact student services at the college.

“We will be able to give advice and explore ways of helping.”

He said that the college had been worried that in light of the decision in England the Welsh EMA would be limited to students attending colleges in Wales.”

“We have contacted our MP, Owen Paterson, to protest about the probable withdrawal of the education maintenance allowance for English students.

“What we have been told is that there will be funding available for colleges to help those who are in genuine need. We are urging students and their parents who are concerned about how they are going to cope without the allowance to contact student services at the college.

“We will be able to give advice and explore ways of helping.”

He said that the college had been worried that in light of the decision in England the Welsh EMA would be limited to students attending colleges in Wales.”