Context
The drop-out rate from university for care-experienced students is 38%, compared with just 6% for non-care-experienced young people. This highlights a significant disparity in educational success.
Question
What steps she is taking to help improve educational outcomes for children in social care and other care-experienced young people, given that the drop-out rate from university for care-experienced students is 38%, compared with just 6% for non-care-experienced young people. As thousands of students are arriving at university for the first time this week, what steps is the Minister taking to ensure there is a consistent package of support for care-experienced students at every university?
Answer from Janet Daby
I thank my hon. Friend for her question and the passion with which it was delivered. I recently spoke to members of a children and young people's advisory group, who told me about some of the challenges they face at university. In some cases, they had not even been informed about the option of university, which is quite shocking. We are committed to providing the best university experience for care leavers. Access to higher education should be based on ability and attainment, not background, but too many children across our country do not get the chance to succeed. The previous Government could have done much more. We will act to address the persistent gaps when it comes to access and positive outcomes for care-experienced young people. We have issued guidance to universities on supporting care-experienced young people and introduced statutory financial support, including a £2,000 bursary.
Not addressed: Specific steps being taken by the government were not detailed beyond general commitments and previous actions
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