Children in care and education

When a child enters care, they often have to deal with major changes – not just in their living situations, but also their education as well.

Some may have to move schools as a result of living with a new family, resulting in disruption to their education. At Beacon Fostering, we seek to help children in care and their families in the North West in all aspects of life, and education is no different. Here are some key facts about children in care and education.

Expected standards and exam results

Regarding reading, writing and basic maths at Key Stage 2, 37% of children in care reached the expected benchmark of achievement in 2022, according to a parliament report. 65% of their non-care experienced peers, on the other hand, achieved this.

At GCSE level, only 7.2% of children in care achieved a grade 5 in maths and English, while those not in care achieved this pass rate at 40.1%. Those who lived in residential care scored six grades less at the age of 16 than those in kinship care (living with relatives) or foster care.

Post-16 education

In 2024, about 9% of children in care continued studying at school after their GCSEs, compared to the national average of 36%. 14% of young people who experienced living in care went to university in 2021/22, compared to 47% of non-care young people.

This can be attributed to the lack of support that schools offer to those in the care system, as well as a general belief that their backgrounds and circumstances mean that they won’t go into higher education.

At Beacon Fostering, we’re passionate about breaking the stigma. To find out more about our supportive and inclusive network, get in touch today.