MIKE Bentley asks why sixth- formers will receive £100 each for simply "turning up to lessons" (Saturday Soundoff, January 29).

Again I notice Mr Bentley has failed to do any research before forming this opinion.

The pupils who will receive education and maintenance allowance (EMA) have achieved their target grades. I have recently received this £100 bonus on top of my weekly allowance of £30 in accordance with the learning agreement I signed in September.

To a certain extent perhaps it is a bribe. We don't have to carry on after the age of 16 in education. We could all become dropouts, get low- paid jobs and become "dependent welfare junkies."

However some of us decided against this option. I don't wish to become a "dependent welfare junkie" and anyone who knows me will probably agree that I try my best at school work.

I am in the sixth form at Boothferry and always intended to stay on at school. I also receive the EMA, £30 a week if you are interested. The EMA has only been introduced this year and is aimed at encouraging students who may have considered dropping out of school to stay in further education by helping economically. It can pay for transport and equipment.

The students I know who also get the EMA are hardworking and many, including myself, also have jobs out of school. I have not wasted this money. What with university fees jumping from £1,500 a year to £3,000 in 2006 I thought I'd better start saving now.

Miss Rachael Holmes,

North View,

Church Lane,

Ellerton, York.

Updated: 11:34 Thursday, February 03, 2005