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An increase in Nottinghamshire’s care leavers going to university has highlighted the ambition of young people in care across the county.

For the September 2022-23 academic year, there are 17 young people in care who have set their sights on university education, an increase of eight compared to September 2021.

Young people across the county who are in care, such as foster care or residential care, are supported by Nottinghamshire County Council’s leaving care team, which helps them plan for the future and transition from care to independence.

The achievement service within the leaving care team engages young people in care who are at GCSE level in in talks about what university is like to ensure they know what their options are and have the chance to attend open days. The team also works closely with universities across the country to organise visits on an individual or group basis.

Nottinghamshire County Council is recognised by universities as having one of the best packages of support to young people leaving care who move on to university, and the leaving care team champion the success of the young people they work with.

Care leavers are supported from 18-25 (or until their university course is completed), and encouraged into higher education where appropriate, with application advice, financial support, and help with physical items such as textbooks and pots and pans, to ensure they are set up to succeed in their university experience.

Rebecca Dixon from the achievement service within the leaving care team at Nottinghamshire County Council, has worked with young people for over 20 years and supported many of them throughout their university qualifications. She said:

“The council is the corporate parent of these young people and we have a responsibility to look out for them the way any parent would look after their child. I have helped lots of care leavers move on to university, from support with their applications to helping some of them physically move into their accommodation.

“Some of them need help with things like their first food shop, while others need more emotional support. It really depends on the young person’s individual needs and how independent they are. We continue to support their academic journey with advice and guidance throughout their university experience, so they are never left on their own.

“I love working with these young people and I feel honoured to have been invited to a few of their graduations, there is no prouder moment than watching them on graduation day. It really is an amazing feeling.”

One of the young people Rebecca has worked with over the years is 25-year-old Sam, who is studying law, and said:

“The leaving care team has supported me through one of the most challenging chapters of my life. Preparing to embark on a career path is overwhelming, education is mentally and emotionally draining and without a support system to turn to in times of need I don't believe I would have achieved what I have achieved. Everyone needs a safety net.”

Another care leaver that Rebecca has supported is Amy, aged 21, who is studying medicine. Amy said:

“Without the team, university would have been a much more challenging experience. They provide me with immeasurable support with any aspect of care we need and do so with a positive energy and eagerness to help. I cannot thank them enough for helping me the way they have.”

Each university across the UK offers a different package of support for care leavers studying with them, and the council’s leaving care team works closely with the universities to ensure the students are well looked after.

Ben Toleman, Care Experienced Lead, Widening Participation & Outreach at the University of Liverpool said:

“The University of Liverpool has been working closely with Nottinghamshire County Council to support care experienced students from the region into higher education. The council has adopted a very progressive policy with regards to the financial, pastoral and transitional support for all care leavers from the region who have aspirations to progress into university.

“This comprehensive support has enabled care experienced students to make a successful transition into The University of Liverpool and these students continue to be supported during their studies.

“The Outreach Team at Liverpool has been working closely with staff from Nottinghamshire County Council to ensure that care experienced students from Nottinghamshire can access the life changing benefits of a university education and that these students are fully supported throughout their time at university.”

Kathryn Frith, Senior Support Adviser, and Kathryn Gardiner, Transition Coordinator, at Nottingham Trent University said:

“Nottingham Trent University is delighted to work alongside Nottinghamshire County Council in providing support for young people with care experience. The council provides a great package of support for young people wishing to access university, and by working together we're able to provide local students with a smooth transition to higher education. We look forward to continuing and developing our collaborative work with Nottinghamshire County Council to ensure the best outcomes for care experienced young people.”

There are currently 33 care leavers from Nottinghamshire at universities across the UK, at different stages of their qualifications, a number which paints a positive picture for the outcomes of young people in care from Nottinghamshire.

Councillor Tracey Taylor, Nottinghamshire County Council’s Chairman for the Children and Young People’s Committee said:

“I think it’s a remarkable achievement for so many care leavers to be attending university and getting qualifications which will undoubtedly benefit their career aspirations.

“I’m proud to say that our package of support for care leavers going on to university is among the best in the country and we whole-heartedly support these young people’s ambitions to further their education and career prospects.

“Many of these young people have faced adversity, yet they are determined to set themselves up for success and go after their dreams. I admire each and every one of them and wish them nothing but success.”

A report about the progress of young people in care between Year 11 to higher education was approved at the Children and Young People’s Committee on Monday 7 March 2022.