In August 2024 UCAS and Carers Trust published their new report providing a comprehensive look into the challenges and experiences of young adult carers in the educational system. This highlights the stark realities faced by young adult carers, including the significant impact caring has on their educational choices and achievements, with young carers being 38% less likely to obtain a university degree than their peers and those caring for over 35 hours per week being 86% less likely to gain a degree.
Better support is needed for young adult carers as they progress to higher education and the report makes a number of key recommendations
- Tailored information and support should be available for young adult carers who apply to higher education as mature students, after they have left formal education.
- Educational institutions should create a culture of positive disclosure around caring responsibilities to support young adult carers.
- Financial support should be offered to young adult carers to alleviate their financial concerns.
- Flexible timetabling should be provided to accommodate the unique needs of young adult carers.
- Stakeholders such as universities, colleges, schools, government, and local authorities should pledge their support and take action to support a fair future for young adult carers and young adult carers
At Suffolk Family Carers we support UCAS and Carers Trust in their calls for immediate action to support young adult carers, highlighting their unique challenges and the need for tailored support to ensure they can succeed in their educational journeys.
