Education, training and finding work

Your Personal Education Plan (PEP)

Your Personal Education Plan (PEP) forms part of your pathway plan. It is reviewed regularly to ensure you are making progress and receiving the support you need. This includes access to services such as SEND provision and links to further and higher education institutions that understand your individual needs. 

Further education and training (ages 18 to 21)

Your personal advisor will stay in touch and review your pathway plan. You may receive help with education-related expenses, such as clothing for training or interviews. If you are in full-time further education or training (12+ hours per week), you may be eligible for Income Support and Housing Benefit until the end of the academic year in which you turn 21. 

In exceptional cases, we may help with course materials, field trips, or specialist equipment. 

Higher education

Preparing for university

To attend university, you must have completed BTEC Level 3 or A-levels and be enrolled on a recognised higher education course. You must start the course before your 25th birthday and have confirmation of your student loan. If you were previously seeking asylum, you must also have confirmation of your immigration status. 

Your personal advisor can support you with this decision and help you access practical, emotional and financial support. 

Support while at university

You may be eligible for a bursary and money towards accommodation and equipment. See details at the end of this section. You may also receive 

• One additional year of funding if you change course after your first year. 
• One additional year of support if you are unsuccessful in a year, subject to reassessment. 

Your personal advisor will review your pathway plan and stay in contact throughout your course. 

Attendance and expectations

You must attend your course as agreed in your pathway plan. If you do not attend, bursary payments may be withheld. If you withdraw from your course after receiving payments, you may be asked to repay the money.

Support after university

We will continue to offer advice and guidance until you are 25. If you are not in paid work after university, you will be expected to claim benefits unless you are pursuing postgraduate study. 

If you want to study at postgraduate level, we will help you identify financial support and may offer one additional year of support. 

Working or training at the council

We offer a range of work experience and training opportunities at the council. These help you explore career options and gain valuable experience. You may also be invited to join recruitment panels, giving you insight into hiring processes and helping shape the workforce. Visit our careers site to see current work experience and training opportunities. 

Jobcentre Plus 

We work closely with Jobcentre Plus to support care experienced young people. This includes: 

• Early entry to Universal Credit claims (up to 28 days before your 18th birthday). 
• Personal advisors attending appointments with you. 
• Enhanced support from work coaches, including access to the Flexible Support Fund. 
• Help with training, qualifications (e.g. SIA licence), job applications and interview preparation. 

Youth homelessness charity Centrepoint have worked with the government to create a short video for care leavers about applying for Universal Credit

Support while in custody

If you are in custody, you can access your personal advisor until age 25. We may provide financial support until age 21, subject to agreement with the prison. Your benefits will be paused but remain active for your release. 

Your personal advisor will work with HMP and Probation to plan your release and explore education, training and employment options. We will continue to visit you and support your transition. 

Career resources

• Propel into Education - Information on care experienced support at UK universities and colleges. 
• Icould - Career videos and real-life stories. 
• National Careers Service - Skills assessments and career matching. 
• Success at School - Career advice, employer insights and job listings. 

Help with education costs  

• 16 to 19 Bursary Fund - Helps with education costs while studying at school, college or on a training course. Find out more. 
• Higher education bursary - £2,000 for care experienced students on recognised university courses. 
• University accommodation top-up - Up to £100 per week, subject to assessment. 
• University books and materials - Up to £300 per academic year. 
• University laptop grant - Up to £500 in your first year, if required. 
• Income support and housing benefit - Available if you are in full time further education (up to A-level standard or equivalent) or in direct training for 12 hours a week or more. 

Additional funding 

You may also be eligible for: 

• student loans 
• hardship grants 
• care leavers bursaries from universities 
• Access to Learning funds 

Your personal advisor can help you explore these options.