Young people leaving care have a strong foundation, as they start one of the most important stages of their lives at University of Northampton (UON).
Approximately 13-15% of care experienced young people in the UK go to university, a figure significantly lower than around 47% of their non-care-experienced peers, making them one of the most underrepresented groups in higher education.
Barriers include material disadvantages, lack of support, and lower attainment, leading to lower completion rates, compounding their feelings that university ‘is not for them’.
Despite these obstacles, care leavers are often more likely to engage in higher education, particularly through vocational routes such as apprenticeships.
All that’s needed is the right support, financially and practically, to help them on their new educational and future career journey. The package of support includes:
- Care Leaver and Estranged Student Fund – £1,000 per year to help with course and accommodation costs during the entire of their studies.
- Care Leavers & Estranged Student Accommodation Award – care leavers can apply for five places in university-managed halls of residence for a full 42-week contract, free of charge for their first year of study.
- Care Leavers & Estranged Student Travel Award – each academic year students can apply for an award of up to £1000 if they live off campus to support with travel and transport costs.
- Student Perks – as with all new undergraduate students, care leavers can choose either a free laptop with full Microsoft 365 software, or accommodation vouchers worth £500, or catering vouchers for on campus outlets worth £500.
Now, the University has formally confirmed its commitment to provide a comprehensive package of support for care experienced young people with a Care Leavers’ Pledge.
Signed in collaboration with UON partner Northamptonshire Children’s Trust, the pledge officially sets out what the University will provide for care experienced young people.
Tim Dobson, Head of Access & Participation, said: “For some years now, the University of Northampton has provided support for care experienced young people, measures that are hugely important for those whose education has been significantly disrupted.
“We now have a range of programmes and support designed to help young people from care background to make informed decisions about whether higher education is right for them and to help them properly settle in and concentrate on their studies if they join us. We are proud that Northamptonshire Community Trust recognises this by awarding their first Care Leavers’ Pledge.
Colin Foster, Chief Executive of Northamptonshire Children’s Trust, adds: At NCT, we believe that a young person’s background should never limit their ambition or potential. Our Care Experienced Pledge is about removing barriers and ensuring young people receive the right support from across our community.
“We are delighted that our partners at the University of Northampton share this commitment and, through their pledge, can offer care‑experienced students the financial stability and tailored support they need to succeed at university. By working closely with partners such as UON, we can help ensure that our young people feel supported, valued and confident as they take their next steps.”
Find out more about Care Leavers’ Support at the University of Northampton and the terms and conditions on our website.