Session: 67 The further education of care leavers: navigating A-levels and the care cliff

Abstract

This session is based on my current PhD Research. It will outline the significant challenges care-experienced individuals face in accessing higher education, and give an overview of the poor educational outcomes of many care leavers, as well as the lifelong impacts of this.

The session will delve into the stark disparities between care experienced people and the wider population through an interactive poll-led discussion. It will highlight the positive outcomes for the few care leavers who access HE and the wider benefits this has for their socio-economic outcomes and argue that post-16 education is one of the keys to improving outcomes for care-experienced people.

This session will explore the significance of further education in the post-care, HE educational trajectory. Specifically, it plans to scrutinise the leaving care systems, policies, and practices that can cause young people in care to disengage with tertiary education between 16-18.

By amplifying the experiences of individuals in care, the session seeks to provide insights into the accessibility of further and higher education alongside care-leaving pathways and the pivotal role of professionals in supporting care leavers' educational aspirations. It further wishes to highlight where universities can support the FE sector with engaging care leavers.

Ultimately, this session aims to foster a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by care leavers in navigating the transition to further and higher education alongside leaving care. By highlighting systemic issues and advocating for targeted support that can work towards a more equitable educational landscape for all care-experienced individuals.

The further education of care leavers: navigating A-levels and the care cliff PowerPoint. Only LJMU staff and students have access to this resource.