Care to Go Higher CPD: Boosting knowledge and confidence
Supporting care-experienced young people on their journey to Higher Education (HE) is not always straightforward. That is why Go Higher West Yorkshire created the Care to Go Higher CPD-certified programme to give key influencers the knowledge, confidence, and practical tools they need to guide students effectively.
In the 2024-25 academic year, three cohorts successfully completed the six-week course. Participants joined from across West Yorkshire and beyond, taking part in interactive sessions, group discussions, and hearing from guest speakers including HE professionals and a care-experienced student.
What the evaluation shows
Our latest Care to Go Higher evaluation report draws on pre- and post-course questionnaires, session surveys, anonymous feedback, and a participant interview. The findings confirm the course delivers significant, measurable impact:
- Participant knowledge of how the care experience and HE interact increased by 55%
- Participant knowledge of access to HE expertise improved by 52%
- Participant understanding of their support role grew by 46%
- Across all nine areas measured, participants reported knowledge and confidence gains of 20%–55%
The report also finds that participants went on to share their new knowledge with colleagues, helping to raise confidence and awareness across wider teams and thereby multiplying the course’s positive impact for our young people.
What participants valued
Participants consistently praised:
- Guest speakers who added depth and real-world insight.
- Interactive discussions and group activities that supported reflection and learning.
- An inclusive and engaging facilitator who ensured everyone’s voice was heard.
One participant said: “It has made me reflect on the information I give and feel far more confident that I am giving the right advice.”
Looking ahead and registration
The evaluation concludes that Care to Go Higher not only strengthens individual expertise but also amplifies impact across teams, creating a ripple effect that benefits young people in our communities.
We have also taken on board suggestions for improvements and will build on this feedback to make the next delivery even stronger. Registration for the September cohort is now open.
