Care Experience Information

At Hopwood Hall College, we understand that care experienced and estranged students may face unique challenges.

That’s why we’re committed to providing dedicated, inclusive support and guidance from application, through your first day, and right the way through to completion. We’re here to help you fully engage in college life, feel welcomed and valued, succeed in your studies, and take confident steps toward achieving your goals and future aspirations. 

We are also proud to have achieved the NNECL Quality Mark, which recognises the quality of our support for care experienced and estranged students. 

Transition to Hopwood (Pre-Entry)

Transitioning to college can feel daunting, but it’s also an exciting step towards new opportunities, experiences, and friendships. At Hopwood Hall College, care experienced and estranged students are supported from the very beginning. By working closely with local authorities, virtual schools, secondary schools, and wider partner agencies, the college can identify students who may need extra support and start the transition process early. 

This approach helps learners overcome potential barriers, settle in with confidence, and feel included in college life from day one. Students are encouraged to self-declare on application forms and at enrolment so that they can access tailored guidance, support, and opportunities that will help them thrive academically and personally. 

We offer:

• Bespoke transition support, including individual campus tours to help students feel comfortable and familiar with college life  
• Opportunities to meet the Safeguarding and Wellbeing team for guidance and reassurance  
• Summer transition programmes and activities to help students settle in before term starts  
• Guaranteed interviews, flexible to meet the individual needs of each student  
• Financial support, including advice and help accessing bursaries  
• Individual enrolment slots to ensure a smooth, personalised enrolment process  
• Dedicated support at enrolment for a welcoming and stress-free start  
• Learner-led support group for care experienced students, helping the college meet student needs and develop provision  
• Mentoring for new students, providing guidance and friendship during the transition 

Your dedicated support:

All care experienced and estranged students are supported from day one by a Safeguarding and Wellbeing Mentor. Your mentor is here to provide pastoral care, monitor your progress and attendance, and be your main point of contact for anything you may need during your time at college. 

The Care Coordinator works closely with your Safeguarding and Wellbeing Mentor, local authorities, virtual schools, and other multi-agency partners to make sure you get the support you need and any barriers are addressed quickly. 

Your mentor and Care Coordinator can help you with:

• Bursary, kit, and travel applications  
• Advocating for you to ensure your needs are met  
• Signposting to internal and external support services  
• Liaising with social workers, local authorities, virtual schools, and multi-agency partners  
• Supporting the Personal Education Plan (PEP) process  
• Meeting with you termly—or more often if needed  
• Monitoring attendance and helping address any issues  
• Being your single point of contact for all mental wellbeing support 

Careers and Guidance

We support all learners – especially care experienced young people – to progress confidently into their next steps, whether that is employment, apprenticeships, or university. 

Our Careers & Employability Team provides a comprehensive, impartial Careers Education, Information, Advice and Guidance (CEIAG) service for current, future, and former students. Support is available throughout the year, regardless of age, course, or future goals. 

For care experienced students, we offer dedicated support to ensure access to high-quality, up-to-date information, advice, and guidance, helping to support progression and achievement. This includes: 

• Priority access to our Careers & Guidance Team 
• Access to external careers advice and guidance such as Positive Steps and Careers Connect 
• Regular careers events with employers, external agencies, and universities, as well as opportunities for university taster days 
• Our support is personalised to help every learner make informed decisions and take positive steps towards their future. 

Financial Support

We are committed to providing strong financial support to remove barriers to education and college life. From free breakfast and free college bus services to wider financial assistance, we aim to support your financial wellbeing so you can focus on your studies and succeed. 

We offer Government-funded financial support to help learners experiencing financial hardship with essential study-related costs, including: 

• Travel to college  
• Course equipment and kit
• Childcare
• Free College Meals

We provide discretionary bursaries, typically for learners with a household income below £35,000 (2025/26 academic year). Awards are based on individual need, with priority given to those facing financial disadvantage. 

Eligible students may also receive Free College Meals, which are means-tested and assessed through the bursary application process. 

A Vulnerable Groups Bursary is available for care experienced young people (including care leavers), estranged students, self-supporting learners, and those in receipt of qualifying benefits such as Universal Credit (including Universal Credit combined with PIP or DLA).  

All applications are individually assessed, and funding is awarded where eligibility and need are met. 

For more information, see Financial Support