This latest ‘Next steps’ report, published in partnership with Unite Foundation, explores the experiences and aspirations of care-experienced students in their progression to higher education (HE), based on UCAS data and survey responses. UCAS uses the broader term ‘care experience’ to encompass the range of care settings an applicant may have encountered*.
The report found care-experienced applicants have positive expectations of going to university or college, expressing excitement about meeting new people (68%), becoming more independent (66%) and making a fresh start (64%). Yet three in five (60%) received no specific guidance at school or college about applying to HE from a care background – despite the fact mechanisms such as financial bursaries, year-round accommodation, and mental health and disability support could make a difference to their decision.
