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Care Leavers Support Package

Supporting your move into higher education

At University of Gloucestershire, we recognise that the transition into higher education is an enormous step for all new students. However, for those from a cared-for background, this step can be even more significant.

Our aim is to make this process as simple and supportive as possible. We’ll provide a single point of contact who will coordinate a range of support and educational services in alignment with your pathway plan, if you have one, and in partnership with your personal adviser before you start university. We will tailor your admissions offer to suit you, provide a bespoke accommodation arrangement that reflects your circumstances, give you access to our peer-to-peer mentoring scheme and support you financially through our care leavers bursary scheme. 

Personalised support

Susana Franklyn is the Student Welfare Lead and University of Gloucestershire’s named contact for care-leaver support. She will get in touch with you prior to starting your course to help you plan ahead and ensure that any support requirements can be put in place before term starts.

Regardless of your support requirements, Susana is available to meet with you regularly to check in on how you are doing and your experience so far.

Get in touch with Susana

Flexible offers

We understand that meeting your offer can be a worry, especially if your studies have been disrupted. Our admissions team can be flexible with the offer we have made you* and we welcome contact to discuss your offer at any point during your admission to the university. Where we can, we will be flexible and tailor the entry requirements to you so that your offer feels achievable and gives you confidence with joining us.

Get in touch with admissions

*Excludes course where professional accreditation requires a minimum entry criteria.

Care leaver scholarships and student finance

University of Gloucestershire offer scholarships to students of home status, who have been in local authority care in the UK.

Important: you must still apply for your Student Loan even if you think you may be entitled to this scholarship.

We can help with all money related queries, including the difference between loans, grants and bursaries, student finance applications, access to learning funds, hardship payments and scholarships. 

Full year accommodation offer

Priority is given to care leavers for entrance into halls of residence in the first year of study. We can offer an additional extended contract to our care leavers over the summer, separate to the standard arrangement for term time only accommodation. The team has specialist housing advisers who help you to find suitable student accommodation in following years. Find out more on our accommodation pages.

Peer to peer mentoring

Priority access to our 8-week online mentoring programme with our trained Student Ambassador mentors. We will support you with joining the university and starting your higher education journey with a unique student perspective and support network. We will contact you with information on how to sign up as part of the application process.

Support services 

The University is committed to the welfare and development of all its students. Support is always on hand from our outstanding student support teams who offer 1-to-1, confidential advice whenever you need it.

Helpzones

You’ll find a Helpzone on every campus. They’re the first place to visit or contact if you need support with any aspect of student life. Drop in or get in touch.

Francis Close Hall: 01242 714444 ext 1
Oxstalls: 01242 714444 ext 2
Park: 01242 714444 ext 3

More information

The links below to external organisations offer more supporting information for care leavers that you may find useful.

The This Is Us student-led community on Mighty Networks is a dedicated and safe online space for estranged and care-experienced students in the UK to connect, share info, arrange meet-ups and more! It’s free, national and open to all ages & years of study.

Join the community here This is Us

Current Students

If you’re a current student and want to find out more, head to MyGlos to find essential info about all aspects of life at the University of Gloucestershire.