The National Network for the Education of Care Leavers (NNECL) began as a volunteer network in 2013, run by higher education institutions and national organisations committed to the progression and support of care experienced students in further and higher education. We registered as a charity in 2018 and continue working collaboratively with education practitioners and care system professionals to transform the progression of children in care and care leavers and those who are estranged or seeking sanctuary into and through further and higher education, including higher apprenticeships. Learners with experience of care are at the heart of everything we do.
It is widely recognised young people with experience of care achieve lower educational outcomes than their peers without care experience. We believe all young people should have the opportunity to start adulthood with a good education, leading them to a good career which will sustain them for life. With data telling us 15% of care leavers enter into education by the age of 19, our work supports, connects, inspires and empowers our community, with whom we share our overarching ambition, for more young people with care backgrounds to consider, access and flourish through further and higher education into fulfilling careers and financially secure lives.
Our National Strategy Group (NSG) includes nominated regional representatives from further or higher education and members of national organisations. Together we form strategic links between educational providers, their networks and national organisations and agencies.
We are proud to have over 100 organisations in active membership. Over 300 individual practitioners are supported via these organisations enabling us to reach a community of nearly 800 dynamic professionals across care leaving and widening participation teams.
NNECL does not lobby or endorse products, nor do we allow commercial or political pressure to influence us when publishing or sharing information. We safeguard our impartiality through the strong governance of our Board of Trustees who are responsible for our strategic objectives, financial security and compliance.
Our values shape our organisation and everything we do. Equality We are working for a fair society which is inclusive and celebrates diversity. Initiative We seek out effective educational practices and create opportunities. Collaboration We achieve more by working together to build relationships and provide personalised support. Making a difference We produce useful, evidence-based work which contributes to systemic change.
As an independent charity, we earn our income through membership, training, consultancy and the generous support of funders and individual donors. We welcome working in partnership with organisations who are well placed to deliver change at scale. Find out how you can get involved and make a difference and transform the educational opportunities for care experienced people.
