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Higher Education for Care Leavers – Myth Busting

In the UK, only 15% of care-experienced young people progress to Higher Education, compared to 47% of the general population. Going to university to study a degree, diploma, HDN, or degree apprenticeship can be a daunting prospect for care-experienced students who might have had interruptions to their studies, a lack of positive role models, social and emotional issues stemming from trauma or simply a lack of adequate information and advice.

Foster carers themselves may find all the information and options overwhelming, especially if they don’t have personal experience of university. They may not feel able to offer guidance or to help navigate the application and finance processes.

Go Higher West Yorkshire is a partnership of educational providers across the county, helping to make Higher Education more accessible to under-represented groups such as care-experienced students.

The website gohigherwestyorks.ac.uk is full of information for students and carers, and they have a specific guide for care-experienced learners.

Higher Education Myths

Higher Education is only for people who are good at academic subjects – not for people who did vocational courses.

Not true! Higher Education isn’t just about writing essays or studying theory – there are loads of practical, hands-on, and creative courses too!

You can only get a degree if you study at university.

Nope! You can get a degree in lots of different ways. While many students go to university, you can also study for a degree at a local college, in a university centre, or even while working!

There’s no point in Higher Education – you can earn just as much by working.

Actually, research shows that graduates earn more in the long run. Studies show that, on average, people who complete Higher Education earn about 35% more than those who don’t. That’s because many jobs that require a degree come with higher salaries and more career progression opportunities.

If I say I’m care-experienced it will affect my chances of getting in.

Nope – universities and colleges make offers based on your potential, not your background. In some cases, being care-experienced can actually help you! Some universities and HE in FE colleges offer contextual admissions, meaning they may lower the entry requirements for care-experienced students to ensure fair access.

If I tell my university or college I’m care-experienced, everyone will know.

Nope! Your information is kept private and only shared with people who need to know. Declaring your care-experienced status does NOT mean all your lecturers, classmates, or tutors will know. Only relevant staff (like student support services, admissions teams, or accommodation staff) will be aware – and only if it helps them support you.

Higher Education will be a lonely place with no one to help.

No way! There are tons of ways to make friends and get support. Universities and colleges want you to succeed – that’s why they have dedicated support services to help.

Having a large student loan will stop me from getting a mortgage.

Nope! Having a student loan won’t stop you from buying a house in the future. Student loans are not like normal loans – they don’t show up on your credit score and don’t work the same way as car loans or credit card debt.

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