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Here you'll find a range or Frequently Asked Question's regarding Pathways to Further and Higher Education.
Yes. Further education (college) and higher education (university) are open to care‑experienced young people, and there are specific supports in place to help you get there and stay there. Many people with care experience take different routes and timeframes, but your background should not stop you from aiming high.
No. A common route is to move from school into college first (for example A‑levels, BTEC or other Level 3 courses), and then into a university course later. What matters is building up the qualifications and confidence you need, step by step, at a pace that works for you.
You can speak to one of the many contacts listed on this site, a trusted adult such as a teacher, careers adviser, personal adviser or support worker, and you can also use guides and websites that explain routes from school and college into different types of courses. Look for information labelled for “care‑experienced” or “looked after” young people so you know it has been designed with you in mind.
That is completely normal. You can start by thinking about subjects you enjoy, skills you want to develop, and the kind of work or impact you might like in the future. Short courses, open days and taster events are good ways to explore options before you commit to a full‑time course.
Financial support and accommodation help are often available for care‑experienced students, but the details vary. The best first step is to ask a worker who supports you to help gather information about bursaries, grants, student finance and housing guarantees that may apply in your area.
You can help by talking positively about their options, encouraging them to attend information events, and making space for them to explore their interests without pressure. Asking open questions, listening carefully, and celebrating small steps can make a big difference to their confidence.
Look for regional or national guides aimed specifically at “looked after and care‑experienced young people,” as well as official websites for colleges, universities and careers services. These usually bring together routes, entry requirements and support offers in one place, which you can go through together.
You are not expected to have all the answers on your own. You can ask the young person’s school or college, their social worker or personal adviser, or a local support organisation to talk you through applications, deadlines and financial support, and to attend meetings with you if needed.
Your role is to make sure education and training are properly discussed in plans and reviews, to advocate for the young person’s aspirations, and to help coordinate the support they need across schools, colleges, universities and other services. You do not have to be a subject expert, but your encouragement and follow‑through are crucial.
Use regional pathways guides, local authority procedures, and regular contact with designated contacts in colleges and universities to keep your knowledge current. Where possible, link with specialist teams or champions for care‑experienced learners who can brief you on new routes, bursaries and projects.
It helps to focus on three areas: realistic but ambitious educational goals; the practical steps needed to get there (qualifications, applications, deadlines); and the wrap‑around support that will help them stay and succeed (finance, accommodation, wellbeing and relationships). Building these into written plans and revisiting them regularly keeps education visible and achievable.
