Edge Hill Puts Care Leavers First

Edge Hill University received a Quality Mark for its commitment to supporting young people leaving the care system to enter higher education.

The University is the only one in the north-west region to be awarded the Quality Mark for Care Leavers in Higher Education, which was launched at a special event by Minister for Education and Lifelong Learning Bill Rammell MP, at the House of Lords on Wednesday 14th June.

The Quality Mark for Care Leavers in Higher Education has been developed by the children?s charity the Frank Buttle Trust to recognise institutions which go that extra mile in providing support for students that have been in care.

The problems faced by young people who have been in care can seriously hamper their ability to acquire qualifications or employment skills. Often the victims of domestic abuse or estranged from their families, these young people may find it impossible to consider going to university without the emotional and financial support that is usually provided by families. They need help if they are to be successfully launched into higher education with a fair chance of success, as the challenges they face are radically different to those faced by the vast majority of students.

Edge Hill University's Director of Students and External Relations Rhiannon Evans said: "We are delighted to be one of the first institutions to commit to the Quality Mark for Care Leavers. This initiative is yet another demonstration of our commitment to widen participation in the higher education sector. We intend to reach and support many more potential students from the care system through outreach work, taster days and other events, as well as by working closely with Local Authorities to ensure that we provide relevant and accessible information for young people in care."