A new study by the Rees Centre at the University of Oxford highlights significant obstacles for care leavers and young people with experience in children’s social care. The report, Pathways into and through Higher Education for Young People with Experience of Children’s Social Care, reveals they are four times less likely to enter university by age 22. These young people face significant barriers to higher education. Additionally, they are more than twice as likely to drop out compared to their peers.
Published in collaboration with the Centre for Transforming Access and Student Outcomes (TASO), the research emphasizes how different experiences within children’s social care impact educational journeys.
KEY FINDINGS
- Care leavers and those who have ever been in care are four times less likely to enter university by 22. Those under child protection plans share this reduced likelihood.
- ‘Children in need’ are two to three times less likely to attend university by 22.
- More than one in six care leavers withdraw from university, making them 2.5 times more likely to drop out than their peers.
- Only 13% of care leavers attend selective universities, compared to 35% of the general population.
- Many care-experienced students enter university later in life rather than at 18.
- 36% of care leavers take a vocational pathway to university, compared to 13% of the general population.
VOCATIONAL ROUTES AND DELAYED UNIVERSITY ENTRY
The study highlights that care leavers and those who have been in care often access higher education through vocational pathways. Professor Leon Feinstein, Director of the Rees Centre, explains:
“It is concerning but not surprising that many children who interact with social care services disengage from education. Yet, this study shows that many still reach higher education through vocational routes.”
This suggests a need for universities to better accommodate students from non-traditional academic backgrounds and mature learners.
THE NEED FOR INSTITUTIONAL SUPPORT
Feinstein emphasizes that universities should not lower academic standards but must instead create more inclusive pathways and support systems. He highlights the importance of widening participation programs and improved transitional support from local authorities.
“The biggest impact on university access and student retention would come from an enhanced further education offer.”
While care leavers have the lowest higher education engagement, they show the second-highest entry rate at 18/19 among care-experienced groups. This may be due to additional support available during the transition from post-16 education.
POLICY RECOMMENDATIONS
To address these disparities, the study suggests that all higher education institutions should:
- Increase acceptance of students from vocational routes.
- Develop strategies to recruit and support mature learners.
- Strengthen transitional support for care-experienced students.
