Tim and Rob's story

Brothers Tim and Rob have gone to university from care. They explain that there's lots of funding for care leavers - and how university gave them so much more than just qualifications. 

Negative stories about children in care and education ignore the fact that each year increasing numbers are going to university. That’s people just like you heading off to study, party, broaden their horizons and have one of the biggest life-changing experiences imaginable.

Tim and Rob are brothers, aged 20 and 19, who have spent the last 15 years in care. Though difficult, their background is like that of many in care. A violent dad who left home early. A mum who struggled with mental illness.

After a short time in respite care, the brothers were placed with loving and supportive foster carers. 'Coming from our background, we knew the importance of education,' explains Tim. 'Our foster carers were brilliant but deep down, because of what’s happened to us, we knew we had to do this for ourselves.'

'At school, our friends called us the class clowns!' says Rob. 'We’d mess around a bit, fit in, but we’d also get the work done. Do what we had to do to get the grades.'

Great support

'Right from the beginning, our Pathway Plans have focused on university,' says Tim. 'We were always told about the available support. Everyone – our social workers, the leaving care team in Leicester - has been behind our dream.'

Part of this support has been financial. Something both Tim and Rob recognise as a crucial factor in them going to university (and staying there!). 'The money has been incredible,' says Tim, a big grin spreading across his face. 'I want other kids in care to know about it.'

He then lists the support he receives:

• All tuition fees and accommodation paid for 
• A £2,700 grant from the government.  
• A £1,300 bursary from Leeds University. 
• Bus Passes and an annual book allowance, worth £150, paid for by social services.
  

'It’s amazing. It means I can go to university and live. I can get on with my studying, relax and get the most out of my time at uni,' Tim says.

It’s important to realise this is what’s available for Tim and Rob. Depending on your circumstances - such as where you’re in care, which university you’re at and what you’re studying - support may differ. However, there is plenty of help out there.

As Rob points out, 'I’d always thought university would be impossible: too expensive. I never knew there would be so much help for kids in care.'

Life-changing

Once the money’s in place, university opens up a world of opportunities. Most of the official advice will focus on the education but university is about gaining much more than qualifications. 'Being at uni teaches you about independence,' says Rob. 'A lot of our school friends left and got full time jobs but they’re still living with their parents. I’m in my own place. When bills come through the door they’re addressed to me and not my mum.'

'I would never want to change this experience,' agrees Tim. 'I’ve met people from all over the country, from so many walks of life. It opens your mind and makes you want to succeed. To prove you’ve got what it takes.'