Summary: The University of Liverpool we are committed to supporting care leavers prior to starting their course, and throughout the duration of their studies.
Further Details:
Coming to university can be an exciting time, but we understand it is also a time of change, and you might have concerns or worries. At the University of Liverpool, we are committed to supporting care leavers prior to starting their course, and throughout the duration of their studies.
Pre-entry, we support care leavers, adopted young people, young people under SGO’s, those who have been in and out of care during their childhood and those who have had significant social services involvement, through our Disrupted Education programme, which provides:
- Bespoke campus visits, where care experienced young people can visit campus, meet staff from the widening participation team, academics and current undergraduates to discover more about their subject of interest and available support, view accommodation and see what the University of Liverpool has to offer. These visits can be arranged through our existing relationships with Local Authorities, Virtual Schools and local partner schools, as well as through self referral from the young person or their carers or supporters. Campus visits are individually arranged around each child and their teachers/carers/guardians, at a convenient time and with transport provided.
- Bespoke information, advice and guidance from a dedicated member of the Widening Participation team about their options for study at the University of Liverpool
- Support with transport to Open Days
During the admissions process, we provide:
- Comprehensive advice, support and guidance from a dedicated member of the Widening Participation team from the point of application to when they are placed within the University, including personal support to address any problems or questions
- Support to attend Applicant Discovery Days
- If you receive an offer from the University of Liverpool, the offer will be reduced by up to two A Level grades or equivalent (excluding Medicine and Foundation programmes, please contact disruptededucation@liverpool.ac.ukfor full information and eligibility criteria)
- Students who have not previously engaged with the Widening Participation team, and disclose their care experienced status on UCAS, will be proactively contacted to highlight the additional support available and begin the process of supporting them
- Named contact during the Clearing and Confirmation process for care experienced students
While you are studying with us, we offer:
- Discounted places in University owned accommodation, available 365 days a year.
- Financial support through our Care Leavers Opportunity Bursary, a £3,000 award available as a cash bursary or fee waiver, for eligible students. To be eligible, students must:
- Be a Home student
- Have spent a minimum of 13 weeks in Local Authority care since the age of 14
- Be under 28 years of age on 1st September on the year in which they commence their studies
- A named contact from Student Services, who can act as a link between the University, your Local Authority and any other internal or external services as required
- Support with fees for a guarantor scheme, if needed for accommodation
- Money Advice sessions, to ensure you are receiving the correct funding, provide budgeting advice
- Liaison support with internal departments, including academic departments if students have queries, are struggling or may wish to suspend or withdraw
- Priority referrals to departments within Student Services if required, including Disability Advice and Guidance, Counselling and Mental Health
- Priority access to the Equality+ (EQ+) programme delivered by our Careers and Employability team, to support career development and future employment
- Guaranteed places on the Liverpool Plus student transition and support programme
- Priority for a paid role as a Liverpool Advocate, which includes working on campus visits, open days and delivering talks in school
