On 4th June 2026 The Department for Education published the latest school census data (collected in January 2026) which includes details on the number of young carers known by each school. This year’s census shows a significant improvement in the number of young carers reported, with an additional 25,000 being known than in 2025, bringing the national figure to 89,803 in 2026
This equates to 1.1% of all pupils in the school census. Research suggests that this is a significant under-representation, especially as a stunning 56% of schools recorded zero young carers.
Here at Suffolk Family Carers we believe every school will have young carers, and 3rd party research suggests it’s likely every classroom will. If schools are not properly recognising or recording their young carers, then it is much harder for schools to monitor attendance and progress and to help notice when they may need additional support to balance caring with learning.
The Department for Education’s own data shows that young carers miss over a month of school each year and are significantly less likely to meet expected exam standards both in primary and secondary school. It is vital that through the forthcoming Carers Action Plan more work is done by the Government to improve identification, recording and support for young carers in all schools
If you are a parent or guardian of a young carer ,and feel school their could do more to support them please let us know as we are always seeking to extend our relationships with schools across the county
