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Leaving Care

Care leavers and university

Children who spend time in foster care are statistically less likely to enrol at university (14%) compared to their non-care peers (47%).

If your foster child is thinking of going to university after finishing school, you might be wondering what you can do to support them in looking for institutions, courses and the support available for them. Here at Beacon Fostering, we are all about helping children in care aspire to succeed in spite of their challenges. Here’s what you need to know.

Financial support

Your local authority will work with your foster child on a Personal Education Plan (PEP), which outlines how they will support the foster child in their educational and career aspirations.

The financial assistance that they will receive is also covered, and varies depending on their chosen educational pathway and the qualifications they will be working towards.

Many universities also offer bursaries to students from underprivileged backgrounds, often for certain courses that they offer. It helps to check out what they are offering, and if your foster child meets the criteria to obtain these additional funds for their desired degree.

Charities and organisations

It’s not just the local authority that can help you and your foster child in going to university. There is a plethora of organisations that can provide support, not just for entering and funding higher education endeavours, but also emotional support and a network of people from a similar background.

The This Is Us community is an internet forum for care experienced students enrolled in higher education, while Brightside helps and mentors care leavers with the application process.

If you’re seeking the help of experienced foster care services in the North West, reach out to our team at Beacon Fostering today.