Groundbreaking national programme improves school experience for young carers

A press release in association with The Children's Society

Young people who care for loved ones are missing fewer school days and feeling better supported in the classroom thanks to a pioneering national programme now rolled out across the country. 

A new independent evaluation published today reveals that schools taking part in the Young Carers in Schools award programme, jointly run by Carers Trust and The Children’s Society, and supported by local young carer services across the country, are identifying three times as many young carers as other schools. Young carers also have a 6% lower absence rate than their peers attending elsewhere. 

The findings suggest that tailored whole school support improves the wellbeing of the UK’s estimated 1 million young carers, many of whom juggle schoolwork with caring for family members who are ill, disabled, or facing addiction or mental health challenges. 

Students at schools with the award report feeling heard and understood by staff with one young carer saying: “I feel like I am now less nervous as a result of the young carers support in school.” 

Another added that their weekly young carer groups offered an opportunity to “let your emotions go.” 

The evaluation found that the programme not only boosts wellbeing and attendance among young carers themselves but also improves awareness across the wider school community. Teachers and staff at schools taking part in the award programme know more about the challenges facing young carers, while students are more aware of what it means when a classmate is caring for someone at home.  

Nerys Anthony, Executive Director of Youth Impact at The Children’s Society, said:  

“Young carers face unique and often hidden pressures no child should navigate alone. School must be a place they feel safe, supported and able to thrive.  

“The Young Carers in Schools award programme gives teachers and staff the tools they need, and young people the understanding and support they deserve.  

“We’re incredibly proud of the impact that the programme has already achieved for remarkable young people across England.” 

Rohati Chapman, Executive Director of Programmes, Policy and Impact at Carers Trust, said: 

“Currently far too many young carers miss out on the educational opportunities available to their friends without caring responsibilities. Young carers miss over a month of school each year and are more likely to be suspended and excluded. While shockingly, this summer, only around half of young carers left school with five GCSE passes.  

“Young carers themselves tell us that there needs to be consistent recognition, identification and support for young carers in every school. By identifying a Young Carers Lead and signing up to this programme, schools can help to address the stark educational inequalities facing young carers.”    

For more information, please contact The Children’s Society’s media team on 0207 8414422 or email media@childrenssociety.org.uk. For out-of-hours enquiries please call 0207 8414407. 

Films: 
We’re excited to share two new short films, Silent Strength and More than Late, both written by a young carer. These films offer a real, honest look at what good support can mean for young carers, and we’re releasing them today. 

• More than Late https://youtu.be/IjOAV_7nE_s   
• Silent Strength https://youtu.be/21LQFgJZjNQ   

Notes to Editors 

Links: 

• The full evaluation report is available at: https://youngcarersinschools.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/YCiS-Evaluation-Report.pdf  
• You can read the executive summary at:https://youngcarersinschools.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/YCiS-Evaluation-Report-Executive-Summary.pdf    
• You can find further Young Carers in Schools programme information at: https://youngcarersinschools.com/ 

Young Carers in Schools 

Young Carers in Schools is an award programme, run jointly by Carers Trust and The Children’s Society, which enables schools to gain recognition for good practice in supporting pupils who are young carers. The programme also provides schools with the tools to better identify and support young carers. The award programme started in 2014 and was adapted and relaunched in 2024, following a consultation with young carers. 

The evaluation 

The evaluation was conducted by an independent evaluator, Mime, between July 2024 and September 2025. It analysed programme data about the award, education data from the National Pupil Database, and interviews with young carers, school staff, and staff in local carers’ services. 

About The Children’s Society 

The Children's Society fights for the hope and happiness of young people when it's threatened by abuse, exploitation and neglect. We see the hope and courage in young people every day, and it inspires us to support them through their most serious life challenges. 

About Carers Trust 

Carers Trust works to transform the lives of unpaid carers. It partners with its network of local carer organisations to provide funding and support, deliver innovative and evidence-based programmes and raise awareness and influence policy.  Carers Trust’s vision is that unpaid carers are heard and valued, with access to support, advice and resources to enable them to live fulfilled lives.