This section explains what support Care Leavers can get with education and training (including college, courses, and university).
Email virtualschool@peterborough.gov.uk if you need help with education or training.
Weekly drop-ins (EET)
You can get 1:1 advice about education and training, including choosing courses, applications, staying on track, and your next steps.
Mentoring
You can ask for a mentor (a council staff member) for support and advice about education or training. To ask about mentoring, email virtualschool@peterborough.gov.uk.
Education
- If you are in Year 12 or 13 and in education or training, a termly Personal Education Plan (PEP) meeting will be held between you, your education setting and your social worker / PA to help you achieve your educational goals. You may be eligible for Post-16 Pupil Premium funding to help you achieve some of your goals. Your Designated Teacher will be able to give you more details.
- If you are Year 14+ and want advice regarding re-engaging or taking your next steps with education, 1:1 advice and guidance can be provided at the EET drop-in sessions.
- Further Education bursary and support with travel (if needed): £300 towards the cost of course materials. Before making a request, your PA will ensure that any bursaries are being accessed and used correctly.
Higher education
- If you are interested in going to university (or want to find out more), we can offer support from a specialist worker from the Virtual School. This can include help choosing courses, support with your UCAS application, planning for grades and results day, and support with clearing if needed.
- Higher Education bursary of £2,000 through your Local Offer – paid in four instalments throughout your course.
- University visit travel support (up to five universities).
- Travel must be agreed in advance and should be the most cost-effective option (for example: car share, train, or bus)
- Taxi fares will not usually be refunded
- A trusted adult will accompany you on your university visits for support
- For more details or to arrange travel, speak to your Personal Advisor (PA) - First-year and holiday accommodation support
- This support is available to Care Leavers aged 17–25 who are attending university
- A one-off payment can cover the cost of your first-year accommodation, and accommodation during the holiday period between your first and second academic year
- Payments will be made directly to the accommodation provider or landlord
- For more details or to access this support, speak to your Personal Advisor (PA)
Other organisations that offer support
- Propel Uni Ready Programme (Become): 1:1 sessions to support you with UCAS, student finance and university preparation (available to Care Leavers up to 25).
- SpringForward: a free DfE-funded online mentoring service for Care Leavers thinking about going to university (via Royal Springboard). To ask for a referral, email virtualschool@peterborough.gov.uk.
- Once your place is secured, we may be able to support you with funding for resources needed for your degree. For example: specialist IT equipment or software. Speak to the Care Leaver Local Offer Lead (see contact details below).
- While at university, you can access support from specially trained staff within the Peterborough Virtual School if you need advice.
More help
If you want extra support (for example: UCAS, student finance information, qualification levels, or scholarships), ask the Virtual School team or your Personal Advisor and we can point you to trusted information. Email virtualschool@peterborough.gov.uk.
Contact the Leaving Care Team
Phone: 07773 576469
Email: leavingcare@peterborough.gov.uk