For many care-experienced young people, leaving school marks the beginning of an uncertain journey. Without the family support networks that many of their peers rely on, the transition to adulthood can be challenging, with instability and anxiety too often replacing opportunity and optimism.
Championing Futures? Localised patterns in higher education participation for young care-experienced learners in England
This new NNECL report explores an important question: which Local Authorities are most successful in supporting care-experienced young people into higher education, for those who wish to pursue that path?
The findings reveal a significant disparity. During the period covered by the report, just 13% of care-experienced young people progressed to higher education, compared with almost half of their non-care-experienced peers. While educational attainment remains an important factor, it does not fully explain the wide variation in participation rates across England.
The research shows that being identified as a priority group is not enough on its own. Progress depends on the quality, consistency and ambition of the support available to young people before and after Key Stage 4. Some Local Authorities are achieving markedly stronger outcomes than others, demonstrating that higher participation is possible when aspiration, opportunity and effective support come together.
NNECL is calling on Local Authorities, universities, colleges, Virtual Schools and policymakers to use the evidence in this report to learn from effective practice and strengthen support for care-experienced learners. The question is not whether these young people can succeed in higher education, but whether the systems around them are prepared to provide the stability and support thier success requires.
The Championing Futures? report is based on research undertaken by NNECL trustee Neil Harrison, whose work provides valuable insight into how better outcomes can be achieved for care-experienced young people across England.
Read the full report to explore the findings, data and recommendations in more detail.
