Last week saw the launch of The Independent Review of Children’s Social Care.
In amongst the 278 pages of analysis and recommendations was a key mission statement dedicated to leveling the playing field for care experienced people (CEPs) in higher education:
[d]ouble the proportion of care leavers attending university, and particularly high tariff universities, by 2026”.
What exactly do I mean by care experience? I mean someone who – at any stage of their life, and for any length of time – has been in care e.g. looked after by the local authority (think foster care, but it’s wider than that). Currently, the progression rate to university for CEPs is 12 percent, and a shocking 1 per cent for high tariff institutions. What’s more, they are less likely progress into their second year of study, and are more likely to take longer than three years to complete their degree.
