Birmingham Newman University is committed to supporting Care Leavers. This is the whole-institution response evidenced through the Care Leaver Covenant:
ONE. Student
The Care Leaver Covenant advocates for a collaborative, whole-institution approach.
When detailing a response to this “pillar” we ask you to bear in mind (and where appropriate make reference to):
- The DfE Principles for Supporting Care Leavers in HE – which applies in part to FEC
- That all appropriate and relevant information is kept up to date (and regularly checked) on the Propel Site
- The CSJ and First Star’s pledge of supporting 12×24
- The outcomes of NNECL’s Quality Mark Pilot, with the long-term consideration of signing up.
- Reviewing and improving this provision every year, or as new advice is published – whichever comes first.
Birmingham Newman University is committed to supporting all of its students and has a dedicated member of staff who can provide support for those who come from a background in care. We are here to support care leavers and care experienced students right from the moment they apply and throughout their studies.
Dedicated Webpage
We have a dedicated webpage for care leavers which details the support available from Birmingham Newman, the contact details of our care leaver contact and details of the financial support that is available via the University, Student Finance England and the local authority.
We also have a hosted page, Propel. Our care leaver webpage and propel page will be reviewed annually and kept up to date.
A dedicated contact for Care Leaver and Care-experienced students
For students who are currently in care, or are leaving / have previously been in care, Newman has a dedicated care leaver contact, Tammy Oyekanmi, Advice and Wellbeing Manager who can offer tailored support prior to arrival and throughout the student’s time with us.
Pre entry support
We offer care leavers guidance from their first interest in applying for university right through to studying with us. All our support is optional, and students can decide how much support they need at any stage.
HEADstart
Care experienced students have a guaranteed acceptance onto HEADstart, a preparatory course for new single, joint and combined honours students. The aim of HEADstart is to help you adapt to student life as quickly and smoothly as possible. HEADstart is delivered prior to Welcome Week.
When students arrive
If a student chooses to disclose their care leaver status to Birmingham Newman either via their UCAS application form or to our care leaver contact, they will be contacted at the beginning of their first year with Birmingham Newman. Our care leaver contact will invite students to a meeting, either remotely or on campus to explain the range of support that is available.
Accommodation
As a care leaver, you are guaranteed accommodation in university-owned halls of residence 365 days per year. Deposit fees for university owned accommodation will also be waived. For more details, get in touch with our accommodation team.
Financial support
Care Leaver Bursary
From September 2026, eligible undergraduate students who meet the University’s Care Leaver definition will receive a £1,000 bursary for each year of study, paid in instalments. You do not need to apply, but you must provide evidence of your care leaver status to the care leaver contact to confirm your eligibility.
Our care leaver contact provides advice and guidance to prospective and current care leaver students with regards to their financial entitlements. Care Leavers can access support to apply for student loans, hardship funds and external charitable grants.
We reference and keep updated external monetary grants that our care leaver students may be eligible to apply for on our website and provide details of all financial support available in our care leaver welcome packs.
Newman has a support fund which any eligible, home student can apply for if they are experiencing financial hardship.
Personal Tutors
All students at Birmingham Newman are allocated a personal tutor who is a single point of contact on their course. They can provide support and advice on academic issues as well signpost students to other support.
Student Success
Our Student Success team provides a wide range of services to ensure students make the most of their time with us. Our services include Mental Health & Wellbeing, Money Advice, Disability & Inclusion and Academic Development.
Our care leaver contact advises all care leavers about the range of support available, care leavers are able to self-refer for support or can be referred via our care leaver contact.
TWO. A robust employment offer
Newman advertises paid Student Ambassador roles to all current students. Student Ambassadors support our outreach programmes and campus-based activity such as Open Days and Applicant visit days. Care Leavers are guaranteed a first interview for Ambassador role. Our care leaver contact advises care leavers about these and other on campus paid opportunities and provides information about our Careers service and the support they can offer.
THREE. Community
Newman offers a range of engagement opportunities with the local community and works in partnership with local schools and colleges to raise awareness and opportunity to access higher education.
Newman University’s Student Recruitment and Outreach team
The team strive to raise and enhance students’ knowledge of Higher Education and the opportunities that studying at university can offer them. The team provides a free service to institutions across the UK and works with local schools: supporting teachers, careers advisors, parents, carers and students through the transition into Higher Education. The support Newman offers to care leaver students is highlighted within the team’s regular newsletters to schools and colleges.
