Supporting inclusive continuing and higher education

General information about higher education

Information for specific groups

Learners from minority ethnic groups

Refugees & asylum seekers

Disabled learners

Learners with specific learning difficulties

Learners with mental health problems

Learners from rural & coastal areas

Vocational learners

Young offenders & ex-offenders

Young people in care

Young people in care & care leavers

According to the Government’s Social Exclusion Unit, “in 2001–02 just 46 per cent of care leavers were known to be engaged in education, training or employment at the age of 19, compared to 86 per cent of their peers. An estimated 1 per cent of young people from care go to university, compared to around 40 per cent of all school leavers.” (A Better Education for Children in Care. Social Exclusion Unit Report, 2003) (Download a PDF version of this report)

The DfES 5 Year Strategy for Children and Learners (2004) identifies a need to;

·   Improve the consistency of financial support provided to care leavers.

·   Develop an improved mentoring system… especially when young people leave the care system and… go into further and higher education.

·   Encourage more participation in education, employment and training amongst care leavers.
(Chapter 6: 14–19 Education and Training, pg 74) (Download a PDF version of the Five Year Strategy)

Pathway plans

Since The Children (Leaving Care) Act 2000 came into force on 1 October 2001, all looked after young people from the age of 16 will have what is called a 'Pathway plan'. This details what support you will receive, who will provide it, what finances are available and how you will receive them. The plan is drawn up and agreed with you, and its purpose is to make it clear what help you will get and how.

Local Authority Pathway teams aim to help all looked after young people reach their goals and aspirations, and you will be given a personal adviser to help with this.

The local authority responsible for your Pathway Plan has a duty to meet your needs in relation to education, training or employment. If necessary, this will include helping you with the costs of accommodation during the holidays.

Students will continue to be supported by the Pathway team during their university courses; the level of support and contact will usually be agreed on an individual basis.

Funding for higher education

Care leavers enrolling on a higher education course apply for student funding in the normal way, and receive the full student loan and grant.  In addition Pathway/Leaving Care teams offer support, which may include a weekly maintenance allowance, paying for vacation accommodation, or other forms of support. You will need to contact the team in your area for specific information.

Many HEIs make care leavers a priority group for their Access to Learning Funds, and some make them a priority for bursaries in their Access Agreements.

Useful links

The Frank Buttle Trust makes grants to young people needing additional support, and also has a Quality Mark Award for HEIs which can demonstrate a significant commitment to support care leavers.

leavingcare.org has lots of advice and information for young people and professionals

The Care Leavers Association also has lots of advice and information

The Who Cares Trust

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