Care Experienced, Care Leavers, Estranged, and Young Carer Students

Care experienced students are often defined as having spent time living with foster carers under local authority care, in residential care (e.g. a children’s home), looked after at home under a supervision order, or in kinship care with relatives or friends, either officially (e.g. a special guardianship order) or informally without local authority support.

At Oxford, care experienced means those who have spent any amount of time in the care of the local authority care, such as through foster care, children’s homes, a supervision order, or kinship care.

Estranged students are studying without the support or approval of a family network. Estranged students usually have little or no contact with their parents (either biological or adoptive) and this is unlikely to change. In certain circumstances, students may have very limited contact for specific reasons, for example, they are still in touch with siblings.

The University of Oxford offers support to students who are assessed as independent students by Student Finance. We also recognise that it may not be safe or possible to be completely estranged, but your family offers no support. In this case, you may be able to access support based on your individual situation, including wellbeing, academic, and financial support.

Young carers (under 18) or young adult carers (aged 18-25) are usually defined as people who regularly provide emotional and/or practical support and assistance for a family member who is disabled, physically or mentally unwell or who misuses substances.

We are aware that students with caring responsibilities may face additional challenges, especially during vacation periods. Tutors and staff in College are prepared to support students experiencing extenuating circumstances, including caring responsibilities.

Students with questions or concerns about their finances and available funding, including questions about accessing support for unexpected financial needs, should contact our Student Finance Officer, Katie Pullen-Rowland. Katie can also signpost students to further financial assistance and advice from the Government and the University.

Explore grants, awards and other College funding opportunities here.

The University of Oxford also has specific financial assistance available to care experienced, estranged, or young carer students, and financial assistance for students experiencing unexpected financial needs.

Learn more about Oxford's Care Experienced and Estranged Student Bursaries

Explore all Financial Assistance at Oxford

Student Finance

Please note that the advice related to Student Finance applies only to Home students (paying fees at the 'Home' rate).

Care leavers (as defined by Student Finance England) or formally estranged students can be assessed as independent students, entitling them to a full maintenance loan. Students should ensure that their Student Finance forms are completed with the relevant information about their situation and status. 

Carer's Allowance

Young carers may be eligible for a Carer's Allowance, an allowance that can be pursued in addition to Student Finance. Please note that this requires a separate application to the Student Finance application. Learn more and check your eligibility here.

St Peter's College's Health, Wellbeing and Welfare Team is here to support students who are care experienced or care leavers, estranged, or young carers. In College, you can connect with staff, student representatives and peer supporters about any question or concern. Remember, no question is too big or small.

Staff contact

Eleanor Tingle, our Dean for Welfare, has worked extensively with teenagers and young adults who have experienced a variety of challenges. A particular focus of her clinical work prior to St Peter’s College was with care experienced and estranged young people, and she also worked with young carers. As Dean for Welfare, Eleanor is able to bring this expertise to provide informed support and signposting for students with such lived experiences.

During term time, 24/7 support is available from a member of the Health, Wellbeing and Welfare team.

Student contacts

Students may also wish to talk with their peers and discuss their questions and concerns, or to connect with students dealing with similar life circumstances. In the Junior Common Room (JCR) or Middle Common Room (MCR), students can speak to the Welfare Leads, Welfare Representatives, Access and Outreach Representatives, Socioeconomic Representatives, as well as a number of trained peer supporters. 

Explore all College Health, Wellbeing and Welfare resources.

The University of Oxford is committed to supporting students to ensure they receive the help they need to have a successful university experience.

Explore all University welfare resources