Going to university

Despite the barriers, the number of care leavers who go to university is rising

37% of all young people go to university - among care leavers the figure used to be around 1%.  But a 2008 study shows that this figure has now risen to about 5%.

Although it's still a fraction of the figure for the wider population, it does show a shift.  The combination of designated teachers, education-friendly foster carers and a variety of measures to keep children motivated and in school have helped, and new measures such as virtual headteachers may increase the figure further.

Money also used to be a barrier, but as Tim and Rob's story illustrates, there are an increasing number of grants available to care leavers who want to get a degree.

What we're doing 

Our publication Who Cares? about going to university gives advice and support to young people aged 14 - 21 who are considering it.  Filled with practical advice about choosing a university and getting funded, it encourages teenagers to aim high.