Carers Trust responds to new UCAS report on Young Adult Carers and Higher Education
UCAS has today published a landmark new report highlighting the experiences of the 15,000 young adult carers who applied to university last year.
It identifies their experiences in education, the challenges they have in accessing higher education and insights into the choices that they are making about their educational futures.
Responding to the UCAS report, Andy McGowan, Policy and Practice Manager at Carers Trust, said:
"The stark findings in this milestone report make it clear that being a young carer too often has a huge impact on the educational choices available to young people and on their attainment in post-16 education."
"If the new Government wishes to achieve its aim of breaking down barriers to opportunity for all, then supporting young carers to thrive educationally is a must."
“That is why it is crucial that all schools, colleges and universities have a dedicated young or young adult carer lead in place. These staff members can help identify students who have caring responsibilities and coordinate proper support for them."
"With 70% of young adult carers concerned about finances, there is also a pressing need to improve financial support available to young carers in post-16 education."
"That includes removing the rule which stops you claiming Carer’s Allowance in England and Wales if you study for 21 hours or more a week. This is key to ensuring young adult carers have the best chance of a fairer future.”