Bradford College will support care leavers interested in applying to study here as well as care leavers who are already studying here.
Foster Family Fun Days – We offer a wide range of fun, family friendly activities, inspired by the variety of subjects taught across the partnership. This is a great opportunity to visit the campus and have a go at something new.
Pastoral Support – The same named contact is available to both FE and HE students at Bradford College, which enables smoother internal transition from FE to HE. For external progression into HE the Named Contact will draw on to his links through NorthCLASS (Northern England Care Leaver Activities & Student Support) network in order for students to be aware of the named contact at their next institution.
Application Support – The Student Welfare Advisor at Bradford College will provide support through number of methods including face to face meetings, via email and telephone in order to assist the student with the application process.
Contextual admissions – Bradford College recognise Care Leavers and Children Looked After as individuals that may require additional support in accessing specific course provision. In these cases the Student Welfare Advisor will advocate on their behalf and liaise directly with the relevant department(s) in order for the applicant to be accepted on to the most appropriate course.
Accommodation – Bradford College offers accommodation through UNIPOL and has an arrangement for Care Leavers to access year round accommodation. Emergency accommodation is also available.
Financial Support – At Bradford College, care leavers aged 16 – 18 in Further Education students would usually qualify for the premium bursary of £1,200 for the academic year. Care leavers in Higher Education receive a bursary of £1,500 for the academic year. The Student Welfare Advisor will regularly negotiate with the Student Finance Teams in order to provide additional financial support if and when required.
Employment Support – Bradford College offers an impartial careers guidance service for all students and the general public. The Named Contact will refer all students to this service if and when needed. The Named Contact also shares any opportunities that are available for Care Leavers such as those offered by the Learning and Work Institute.
Website Support – A dedicated site for care leavers who are thinking about coming to University and could benefit from schemes to help them progress into higher education, and receive extra support when they arrive.
Bradford College is committed to raising awareness of Children Looked After and Care Leavers and we do so by organising numerous events throughout the years in partnership with the Care Leavers Association, the Local Authority and the University of Bradford.
