Edge Hill University Support for Care Experienced and Estranged Students (CEES)
Edge Hill University is committed to ensuring that Care Experienced and Estranged Students are welcomed, supported, and empowered to succeed throughout their higher education journey. Our approach and support is embedded in our Access and Participation Plan (APP), Widening Access and Student Success Strategy, and Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Strategy, and has been recognised for its quality and impact through our achievement of the NNECL Quality Mark.
Before students join us:
- Named contact in the Widening Access and Student Success Team provides personalised pre-entry information, advice and guidance. This includes:
- Support with researching courses, applying to HE, and understanding student finance.
- Bespoke campus visits and introductions to staff and students.
- Liaison with Local Authorities, Virtual Schools, and supporters.
- Students are eligible for places on our outreach programmes, such as the Edge Hill University Access Programme, Uniconnect activities for CEES students within the Northwest region, and can connect with current CEES students through events and our online Ambassador Platform via our website.
- Our Fair Entry Criteria includes a two-grade reduction on application for CEES applicants, alongside financial support for travel to Open Days, interviews, and Offer Holder Days on-campus.
- A dedicated contact line is available during Clearing and Results Day for CEES students, including advocacy with admissions and discussion of alternative routes (such as Fastrack) which may be suitable for students
When You Are Studying
- Dedicated on-course support through the Student Support Team, with each CEES student assigned a key contact to help students coordinate any academic, wellbeing, and financial support they require.
- Undergraduate students can request to stay in University halls of residence accommodation for 365 days a year for the duration of their course, with flexible payment plans, extended stays after graduation, a warm welcome pack at move-in and gift hampers in the Christmas period.
- Financial support includes:
- A £1,000 annual Care Leaver Bursary for statutory care leavers.
- A summer financial support package to assist with accommodation, food and travel costs.
- Assistance with graduation costs (including robe hire, photo package and accommodation.
- Eligible for the Thrive Fund
- Ability to apply to the Student Support Fund.
- Health and wellbeing support through our Wellbeing Team, Social Prescriber, and Faith and Community Team
- Eligible for our institutional support programme Thrive and Thrive Plus, which is packed with activities, events and opportunities to give students’ the edge when it comes to navigating university life, including social sessions, career enhancing trips and events, and personal development opportunities.
- Social activities and community building through:
- The CEES Students’ Union Society.
- Paid opportunities such as Student Advisory Panels and Student Guide roles (with guaranteed interviews for CEES students)
- Access to activities and events run by our Student Life team via the Student Life portal
Progression and Graduation:
- Careers and employability support for three years after graduation, including extended appointments, targeted job opportunities, and alumni networking events (Diverse Voices panel series)
- Guidance on postgraduate study, moving on from university, and independent living.
To best support students effectively, our dedicated staff regularly attend professional development training and we have also developed a ‘supporting staff to support students’ toolkit in collaboration with our students, to help staff from across the university more ably support care leavers, care experienced and estranged students.
Supporting students’ supporters:
At Edge Hill University, we recognise that those supporting a Care Experienced or Estranged Student - whether foster carers, social workers, Virtual School staff, key workers, friends, or other trusted adults - play a vital role in that student’s journey to and through higher education. We aim to ensure supporters feel informed, confident, and connected to the university, so they can provide the best possible encouragement and guidance
Before Students Join:
- Direct communication and advice: Our Widening Access and Student Success Team offers guidance to supporters on topics such as course choices, the UCAS process, and student finance.
- Bespoke campus visits: Supporters are encouraged to attend campus visits and open events alongside the student, with opportunities to meet staff, tour facilities, and ask questions.
- Outreach activities: We work with Local Authorities, Virtual Schools, and other organisations to deliver workshops, CPD sessions and conferences, and tailored information for supporters about higher education pathways.
- Supporter sessions at events: Many Open Days, Applicant Visit Days, and outreach programmes include dedicated supporter briefings, covering areas such as financial support, accommodation, and student wellbeing.
While Students are at University:
- Named contact points: Supporters can (with the student’s consent) liaise directly with the Student Support Team to raise queries, discuss concerns, or coordinate additional support.
- Transitions and wellbeing updates: Where appropriate and with consent, supporters may be involved in developing transition plans or ongoing support strategies for the student.
- Resources and guides: We provide clear, accessible information on our website, explaining the CEES offer, key contacts, and how supporters can help their student make the most of university life.
Our partnerships and pledges:
We work with a number of organisations to help us extend and enhance our work with care-experienced and estranged students and have been recognised for our work in supporting these students to access and succeed in Higher Education. Find out more about the organisations we work with:
For further information and support, please contact the Widening Access and Student Success Team by emailing:
