The University of Northampton has introduced new measures to help care-experienced young people access higher education, aiming to remove financial barriers that often prevent them from attending university.
In an article published on 8 April 2026, the University of Northampton detailed a package of financial and practical support for students who have spent time in care. This includes a new partnership with the Northamptonshire Children’s Trust, formalised through the signing of a Care Leavers’ Pledge. This agreement outlines the specific support the university will provide to these students, building on its existing work to improve access to degree-level study.
For students joining the university in September 2026, the institution has removed the requirement to pay an upfront deposit when reserving a place in university halls of residence. Additionally, five care-experienced students can apply for fully funded, rent-free places in university-managed halls for their first year of study. Eligible students may also receive a yearly grant of £1,000 to help with course and accommodation costs, alongside a travel award of up to £1,000 per academic year for those living off campus.
Nationally, care-experienced young people face significant challenges in pursuing higher education, with a university participation rate of approximately 13-15 per cent. This is substantially lower than the 47 per cent participation rate seen among their peers who have not been in care, marking them as one of the most underrepresented groups in the sector.
Tim Dobson, the university’s Head of Access & Participation, and Colin Foster, Chief Executive of the Northamptonshire Children’s Trust, both highlighted the importance of these initiatives. Alongside the pledge for care leavers, the university has also signed the StandAlone Pledge to provide further support for estranged students.
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