Care leavers – education and training

Find how to access a range of advice and support services at every stage of your education and training journey.

Still at school?

Your PA will work with our virtual school team to make sure you get any all the help you need at school. Your needs will be set out in your Personal Education Plan (PEP).

If you are in our care but not at school in Liverpool, we can make sure we talk to the right people to get you all the support you need.

Post-16 and in need of support?

The Liverpool Virtual School Post-16 team is committed to providing support to care leavers aged 16-25. The team will give you a Learner Support Agreement which will help you:

• Maintain your PEP – your plan for education, training and employment, which also forms part of your pathway plan.
• Choose the right education and training for you by getting careers advice.
• Make sure education and training providers get to know you and give you the support you need. 
• Solve problems if things go wrong – someone you trust to come to meetings with education and training providers.

In full-time education or unpaid training?

If you are in full-time education or on an unpaid training course, speak to your PA to see if there is any additional support available such as help with WiFi costs, equipment or other incentives.

If you left school and need money to retake exams, the Leaving Care Team can pay. In both instances, please speak to your PA.

At university?

When you are at university, or in higher education studying for a Level 4 qualification or above, we will help you get your grants and loans.

As long as you start your studies before you turn 21, we will also:

• pay a £2,000 higher education bursary over three years.
• pay £75 per week towards your accommodation costs for each year you are there, if we are not paying you a full-year Staying Put allowance. This is for the maximum of three years, or four in exceptional circumstances.
• fund the cost of appropriate vacation accommodation

In some cases, we may also fund a one-year Foundation Degree.

A bursary towards postgraduate study to a maximum of £2,000 is also available. Please talk to your PA if you are interested in applying for a bursary.

Your PA will assist you to visit University open days and make contact with your chosen University to make sure you get access to any financial support or services that they can offer to you.

When you graduate from university you will be provided with an £80 graduation gift.