DESPITE a wider variety of post-16 learning than ever before, most parents are still happy for their children to follow traditional academic routes.

Research by the Learning and Skills Council (LSC) has found that 80 per cent of parents encourage their children to choose academic options such as A Levels or GCSE retakes, instead of other routes like diplomas or vocational courses.

The study found that although 68 per cent of young people turn to their parents for advice about options, many parents just aren't aware what those options are.

The LSC is urging them to find out more, both about available courses - such as vocational programmes including Construction, Fashion and Textiles, and New Media - and the financial support available.

Many parents are also unaware that their children may be eligible for an Education Maintenance Allowance (EMA) of up to £30 a week if they stay on in learning. The allowance is available to 16 to 18-year-olds who've left compulsory education and are from households with an income of up to £30,810.

Trevor Fellowes, the LSC's director of Learner Support, says: "EMA isn't just available for traditional subjects - 34,600 young people are currently receiving it on a work-based learning programme.

"We urge young people to find out if they're eligible to ensure that money isn't an obstacle in helping them fulfil their learning potential."

For information on local learning programmes, visit www.dcsf.gov.uk/prospectus and for more on EMA visit www.direct.gov.uk/ema or call 0800 121 8989.