Higher Education Transition Pack for Care- Experienced Learners
Your journey into Higher Education
A clear, practical guide to help care-experienced learners explore their options, apply with confidence, and access the support they’re entitled to.
About this guide
This guide is for learners aged 16+ who are care-experienced and considering Higher Education.
Whether you’re thinking about university, college-based Higher Education (HE in FE), or a higher or degree apprenticeship, this pack explains the process step-by-step.
It covers:
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What Higher Education is
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The different routes available
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How to apply through UCAS
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Student finance and bursaries
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Accommodation options
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The additional support available to care-experienced learners
It’s written in clear, supportive language to help you feel informed, confident and in control of your next steps.
Who is this guide for?
This guide is ideal for:
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Learners aged 16+ who have experience of care
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Students currently in foster care, residential care, kinship care or previously looked after
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Care leavers planning to progress after college
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Anyone unsure whether Higher Education is right for them
If you’ve ever spent time in care, this guide is designed with you in mind.
Why use this guide?
Moving into Higher Education can feel exciting — and overwhelming.
This guide helps you:
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Understand your options clearly
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Access the financial support you’re entitled to
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Apply confidently through UCAS
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Secure accommodation that works for you
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Connect with named care-experienced contacts at universities
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Plan your transition step-by-step
It turns a complex process into manageable stages.
Further support
Need more help?
