We offer support for estranged students, looked-after children and care leavers by working in partnership with local councils, schools, colleges and other Universities regionally. For students wanting to find out about studying at university and/or considering applying to the University of Southampton we offer individual pre-application visits, providing the opportunity to speak to staff and students.
We are able to offer short bespoke visits to campus for young people with experience of care, which would normally include a campus tour, opportunity to meet with staff in our widening participation team, and a student ambassador. We welcome enquiries from individual students, foster carers, teachers supporting looked-after children, and local authorities. Email us (careleavers@soton.ac.uk).
Ignite your Journey
Young people in care interested in studying at the University of Southampton are encouraged to apply to the Ignite your Journey programme in Year 12/the first year of A Level study. The programme includes support with the transition to University, and potential eligibility for additional admissions consideration and a bursary.
See our Ignite your Journey pages for more information.
Open Day and Applicant Visit Day Travel Bursary
We understand that travel costs can be a barrier when invited to attend a University Applicant Visit event. Therefore, we are offering a travel bursary of up to £100 to care experienced individuals to help with these costs.
View our application form for more information and details on how to apply.
Contextual admissions
The University of Southampton is committed to widening participation and ensuring that students with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data supports our admissions teams to recognise a student’s achievements and identify their potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. More information on what this could mean for you is available on our admissions pages.
We encourage all eligible students to tick the box on their UCAS application to let us know that they’ve been in care. This information will remain confidential and enables us to contact you before your arrival to detail all of the support specifically available to you.
On Course Support for Care Leavers
The University of Southampton offers the following support to eligible care leavers:
Further information on our on course support for care leavers can be found on our Student Inclusion pages.
We are able to offer short bespoke visits to campus for young people estranged from their parents, which would normally include a campus tour, opportunity to meet with staff in our widening participation team, and a student ambassador. We welcome enquiries from individual students, foster carers, teachers supporting estranged young people, and local authorities. Email us (estrangedstudents@soton.ac.uk).
Ignite your Journey
Estranged students interested in studying at the University of Southampton are encouraged to apply to the Ignite your Journey programme in Year 12/the first year of A Level study. The programme includes support with the transition to University, and potential eligibility for additional admissions consideration and a bursary.
See our Ignite your Journey pages for more information
Open Day and Applicant Visit Day Travel Bursary
We understand that travel costs can be a barrier when invited to attend a University Applicant Visit event. Therefore, we are offering a travel bursary of up to £100 to estranged young people to help with these costs.
View our application form for more information and details on how to apply.
On Course Support for Estranged Students
The University of Southampton offers the following support to eligible estranged students:
Further information on our on course support for estranged students can be found on our Student Inclusion pages.
If you have any questions or would like to find out more about our support for care experienced and estranged students please contact:
Emma Woozeer - Access Manager (Ignite)
Email: careleavers@soton.ac.uk or estrangedstudents@soton.ac.uk