Posted 19 November 2025

This November, National Care Leavers Month invites us to recognise and celebrate the achievements, resilience and ambitions of care-experienced young people across the UK. It is a moment that encourages reflection, sparks meaningful conversation and brings attention to the importance of accessible, reliable support. For us at Go Higher West Yorkshire (GHWY), it is a useful moment to consider how these needs manifest themselves in Higher Education (HE).   

The UCAS fair access mission card “What support can I get if I am (or have ever been) in care?” is a particularly useful tool during this time. It gives care-experienced young people clear guidance on how to start conversations about support in higher education.

The card includes practical questions that can be taken to open days, UCAS Discovery events or virtual sessions. These questions are simple but powerful because they help students uncover the information that often makes the biggest difference. Asking whether there is a named contact for care-experienced students ensures that someone specific is available for personalised guidance. Questions about bursaries and financial support help clarify what help may be available with the cost of study. Checking what accommodation support exists can be essential, especially for those who need year-round housing or assistance with guarantors 

The card also encourages students to ask about outreach opportunities and programmes they can join and to find out what mental health and wellbeing services are in place. Each of these questions builds confidence and helps students better understand how supported they can feel at a particular HE provider. The card is a useful starting point and can help young people find their voice when advocating for themselves and ensuring they get the support they need. 

National Care Leavers Month also reminds us that the offer of support in higher education is wider than many people realise. HE providers across the UK offer a range of help that may include dedicated bursaries, priority housing, 365-day accommodation options, mentoring schemes, advisory services and tailored wellbeing provision. Many Local Authorities also have a Local Offer for care leavers that outlines the support available, including the care leavers bursary for those currently in care. The challenge is not necessarily the availability of help but knowing where to look and feeling comfortable enough to ask for details. This is exactly why tools like the UCAS mission card and national awareness campaigns are so valuable. 

As we celebrate National Care Leavers Month, it is important to encourage care-experienced young people to explore their options, ask questions and reach out for guidance. Higher education should feel open, welcoming and achievable. With the right information and support, it can be a transformative next step, and this month is an ideal time to shine a light on the pathways that help make that possible. 

 

Rob Scott, GHWY Training Delivery Officer