Today, we are pleased to announce The University of Cambridge has been recognised for the work it does to ensure care-experienced students are supported while studying for their degrees. The University is the 50th to be awarded with the Quality Mark in recognition of its progress and plans to improve student experience and outcomes throughout their time with the University.
Mike Nicholson, Director of Recruitment, Admissions and Participation says:
"The University is delighted to receive the NNECL Quality Mark in recognition of the very valuable activity that takes place across the collegiate University to support students from care-experienced backgrounds navigate their time at Cambridge. The University recognises that this work is ongoing, and is grateful that making this application has both identified those areas where we already have strengths in the support we offer whilst also helping us see scope for further action and improvement."
The NNECL Quality Mark enables institutions to assess their current practice, identify gaps in provision and establish areas for further development.
Sian Edwards, Programme Manager at NNECL, says:
"We are delighted to award the University of Cambridge the NNECL Quality Mark in recognition of their commitment to supporting students from care-experienced and estranged backgrounds. Navigating the complexities of a devolved college model presents unique challenges, yet the University has demonstrated dedication to developing and embedding consistent, inclusive practices across the institution. Their whole-university approach ensures that care-experienced and estranged learners are supported to achieve positive outcomes. Congratulations to everyone at the University of Cambridge on this well-deserved recognition."
Students attending the University who are care-experienced, or estranged from family, are entitled to the maximum level of financial support available through the Cambridge Bursary Scheme. With other grants and awards added, this can amount to more than £8,000 a year. Colleges will also provide accommodation all year round as these students often do not have homes to return to out of term-time.
In 2018, the University of Cambridge was one of the first signatories to the government’s Care Leaver Covenant which commits partners to providing educational and career opportunities to young people exiting the care system.
Around 38 care-experienced students were admitted to an undergraduate degree course or to the University’s Foundation Year in 2025 but the true number might be higher as this figure is based on students who declare their status at registration and might not include all those who are estranged from family.
The Principal of Homerton College, Lord Simon Woolley, was brought up by foster parents in the 1960s and then adopted by them. He has spoken at a number of events and conferences aimed at breaking down barriers for care-experienced teenagers:
“It is imperative that both the University and the Colleges recognise the challenges for those who have been in care and have had the amazing journey to be here at Cambridge. We need to acknowledge them but also ensure we have an infrastructure in place that helps them go from A to B and on to further success. The NNECL Quality Mark is a recognition that we are on the right track."
Widening participation co-ordinator, Kirstyn Kedaitis, accepted the Quality Mark on behalf of the University. She says:
"The action plan we submitted in our NNECL Quality Mark application maps out our goals for improvement over the next three years. We have already started a staff project centred around best practice in supporting students from highly under-represented groups, including backgrounds of care experience and estrangement. In January, we will complement this by establishing a working group focused specifically on addressing our Quality Mark action plan. This working group will include representation from Cambridge’s care-experienced and estranged student community."
More information about the NNECL’s Quality Mark and the other 49 holders of the award can be found here.
More information on the support available to students at Cambridge who are care-experienced or estranged from family can be found here.
