Care-experienced

We welcome applications from individuals who are looked-after young people or care leavers and we are committed to providing the right support. We understand that coming to college can be an unsettling experience, and we want to support you when taking this step.

Our commitment to you

We are your support system at NCL, starting from the pre-entry phase as you transition into college life, continuing through the application and enrolment stages.

The term “care-experienced” refers to anyone who has experienced a certain form of care in their life (sometimes known as having been ‘looked after’). This care may have been provided in many different settings, such as:

Formal kinship care - living with a relative
Looked after at home - with the help of social work
Residential care - living in a residential unit or school
Foster care - living with foster carers
Secure care - living in a secure unit
Permanence order

What's more, our commitment extends to aiding you throughout your academic journey and even after you graduate from NCL.

Below you'll find answers to the questions we get asked the most about when applying for a course at NCL.

To make sure you get the support you need, the College needs to know if you are looked-after or a care leaver. You will be asked to highlight this on internal forms such as the application form, enrolment form and bursary application forms. The College will keep this information confidential and this will be used to support you.

In order for your looked-after/care leaver status to be taken into account when your application is processed, you may be asked to provide evidence of this. This is usually in the form of a letter from your social worker, children’s house manager, key worker or other relevant person.

Please do not hesitate in contacting the college’s Student Advisers at each of our campuses if you need help with this.

Once you have informed the college that you are a looked-after or care-experienced learner, you can expect the following:

Receive information about support available;
Receive support when completing your application and deciding which course is right for you;
The College can liaise with your local authority to ensure a smooth transition into college life, if required;
We can arrange individual visits for you and a friend, adviser or parent/guardian to introduce you to the college and cover anything you need to know;
Support if your application for college is unsuccessful. You can request an interview with a Careers Adviser from Skills Development Scotland and, if appropriate, the college’s Student Advisers.

Please note that this list is not exhaustive and other support may also be available.

We are committed to providing a range of learner support services in order that learners can achieve their full potential whilst at college.

This can include support with childcare arrangements, literacy or numeracy support, learning and study support, emotional support or counselling.

Starting college can be a daunting thought for any potential student but knowing your funding entitlements can help make your journey easier. Explore the available funding support options to find out more.

To support your funding application, you will be asked for a letter from the social work department or from your head teacher, confirming you are care experienced, a care leaver or a looked after young person. If you are struggling to provide the evidence required, please complete this form.

Below, you will find valuable information and resources that may be of use to you.

Who Cares? Scotland is a voice and a champion for children and young people in the UK living in care. They have recently produced ‘A Guide to the Support Available in Further Education in Scotland’, which you also might find useful and informative. Who Cares? Scotland have also recently launched a new helpline, open Monday to Friday 12-noon - 4pm. You can contact them on 0330 107 7540.

Student Award Agency for Scotland: If you are undertaking Higher Education at college, you may be eligible for a vocation grant from SAAS which helps with your accommodation costs during the summer holiday that falls between each year of your course.

Skills Development Scotland (SDS): Skills Development Scotland is the national skills body supporting the people and businesses of Scotland to develop and apply their skills. Find out how they can support Care Experienced students.