Are care leavers being shut out of education, work or training?

Latest research shows even more support is needed to attract and retain young people with care experience into and through higher education. Issues including the welcome received by care leavers at university along with financial support and health assistance as well definitions of care leavers, data collection and post graduate support are highlighted in a new report.

DfE’s annual figures for the participation of ‘looked after children’ show that 15% entered university by the age of 19 in 2022/23, compared to 47% of other young people. Around 1 in 5 care leavers who enter higher education withdraw before completing their studies. The Independent Review of Children’s Social Care (2022) highlighted a mission for the proportion of care leavers attending university, and particularly high tariff universities, to be doubled by 2026.

The Pathways to University report encourages institutional engagement with national initiatives, including the Care Leaver Covenant, to drive accountability and leadership buy-in. The Care Leaver Covenant encourages colleges and universities to adopt a Whole Institution Approach, outlining how care leaver outreach should not just be a widening access/participation activity and encourages education institutions to consider their role as employers and community hubs when planning care leaver support.

Aston spoke to Chris Hoyle, care experienced senior business intelligence analyst at University of Leeds.