How we support care experienced students

Starting college or university is a big step for any student, but it can be especially challenging for care leavers who may not have the same support systems at home as their peers.

In this post we break down what it means to be care experienced and the tailored support available.

What does “Care Experienced” mean?

The term “care experienced” refers to anyone who has been or is currently in care or from a looked-after background at any stage in their life and encompasses more than traditional care settings like foster homes or residential care. It includes:

• Kinship care – being raised by extended family members.
• Looked after at home – remaining with parents under a social work order.

To address this, our Learning Development Workers (LDWs) chat with students to explore their backgrounds sensitively and identify those who may benefit from care experienced support.

Streamlined Support

Previously, supporting care experienced students involved complex paperwork. Now, thanks to close collaboration with the Virtual Head Teacher for Care Experience and the Access Care Team, students in Moray can be supported more efficiently. For students from other local authorities, the process can be more challenging, but the college offers guidance and advocacy to help navigate it.

Importantly, care experienced students now have lifetime access to funding, not just until age 26. This is especially significant for mature students who may face emotional and logistical hurdles in revisiting their care history.

We can support care experienced students in receiving the financial support they’re entitled to, including:

• Care Experienced Bursary – £225 per week, significantly higher than the standard bursary.
• SAAS Care Experienced Bursary – £10,000 annually, with additional loan options.

Alongside financial support, we offer tailored academic and emotional assistance. Care experienced students receive the same academic support as their peers, but with added attentiveness. LDWs check in regularly, and students with additional needs are supported through a Personal Learning Support Plan (PLSP).

We also understand that many care experienced students prefer not to be singled out and often resist labels. We respect this by providing support that is both compassionate and discreet, ensuring every student feels understood, empowered, and respected throughout their educational journey.

Collaborative Care and Safeguarding

UHI Moray maintains strong relationships with:

• Social workers
• Advocacy workers
• Support services like Arrows and Moray Pathways

These partnerships ensure a wraparound care model, where concerns—academic or personal—can be escalated appropriately. We also participate in national networks like the College Development Network for Care Experienced and Estranged Students, sharing best practices across Scotland.

Enhanced Transitions and The Promise Group

For younger students or those with disrupted education, we can offer enhanced transitions (early visits, course previews, and tailored introductions) to college life. This is especially helpful for students identified by school partners, who work closely with us.

In collaboration with CORRA funding, we launched a Promise Group, a student-led initiative aimed at improving engagement and transitions for care experienced students. Though participation can be challenging due to stigma, the group has generated powerful ideas, including:

• Creating a promotional video to demystify college life.
• Engaging with local high schools to foster positive educational experiences.

A Safe Space to Grow

Ultimately, we provide care experienced students with a safe space to explore their potential. Whether they’re ready to study now or need time to prepare, we respect their journey and offer support when the time is right.