FE Colleges do not just focus on education and employment outcomes, they provide a ‘safe haven’ for students in care who, during this time, are experiencing many changes in their lives.
Support for care experienced students
At Northampton College, we want every student to feel welcome, supported and confident about their future. This includes students who are in care, have been in foster care, are care leavers, have been adopted, are supported through a Special Guardianship Order or have experience of private fostering.
Our support is built around you. We will listen, work with you and help you access the right support at the right time.
Support we can offer
You can access a range of services, including:
- One-to-one support from our Care Experienced Co-ordinator
- Careers advice to help you plan your next steps
- Work experience support
- Support with university and higher education options
- One-to-one campus tours
- Wellbeing and mentoring support
- Enrichment activities to help you build confidence, skills and friendships
- Information about financial support, including the vulnerable bursary.
If you are aged 16 to 18, our Care Experienced Co-ordinator will also support your Personal Education Plan reviews. These usually take place at least twice a year and give you the chance to talk about how college is going, what support you may need and how we can help you stay on track.
To find out more, please contact Jo Cox, Care Experienced Co-ordinator, by calling 01604 736219 or emailing
You can also email
Student case studies
Charlie – Level 3 Performing Arts – Acting
"After having a really difficult experience at my previous college, I knew I needed a fresh start. One of the support workers at my placement told me about Northampton College because other young people they knew had really enjoyed studying there, so we came along to an open day. Straight away it just felt like a much better fit.
"One of the best things about college has been all the opportunities I've had. I've taken part in performances, trips and talks from people who work in the industry, which has really helped me think about what I want to do next. Student Services and the Futures Team have also been brilliant at helping me plan for the future.
"My favourite memory has to be our final performance this year. Everyone worked so hard and the atmosphere was amazing. It felt like the perfect way to finish my time at college.
"I'm also really proud that, even with personal challenges and moving over to the post-18 team during the year, I kept up with all my assignments and attended my classes. That feels like a massive achievement for me.
"In September I'm going to my first-choice university in Coventry to study Acting for Stage and Screen after receiving an unconditional offer. I had to audition and interview for my place, so getting in was a really proud moment. My dream is to become a professional actor."
Stephen – Level 2 Patisserie and Confectionary & GCSE English
"I first heard about Northampton College through my sister because she already studies here. I wasn't sure what to expect, especially because I didn't really enjoy school, but college has been completely different.
"I was really nervous on my first day, but as soon as I walked into the kitchen and realised I already knew a couple of people from school, I started to relax. My tutor, Christine, has been really supportive and made me feel welcome from the start, which made a huge difference.
"I've really enjoyed studying something I genuinely like. I also like having a bit more independence, with different timetables and being able to go off site at lunchtime. It feels much more like being treated as an adult.
"The thing I'm most proud of is how much I've improved. At the start of the course I didn't know much about patisserie, but I've worked hard all year and I'm now predicted six Distinctions, one Merit and one Pass. Looking back, it's amazing to see how far I've come.
"Next year I'm coming back to Northampton College to study Culinary Skills and carry on building my experience in the kitchen."
Lacey – Level 1 Employability Skills, GCSE English & GCSE Maths
"I heard about Northampton College through the staff at my care home, who recommended it, and I'd also heard lots of good things about the college. I wanted somewhere that would give me a fresh start and help me build skills for the future.
"What I've enjoyed most is having structure and learning things that feel useful in everyday life, especially employability skills and teamwork. The staff have always been patient with me, giving me the support I needed and letting me work at my own pace instead of expecting everyone to learn in exactly the same way.
"The biggest achievement for me has simply been turning up. At school I often struggled with attendance and didn't always stay for the whole day. At college I've attended my lessons, completed my work and started getting involved in class. Having people around me who believe in me and encourage me has made such a difference. The staff gave me the chance to prove myself, and I feel like I've done that.
"Next year I'll be moving on to Health & Social Care before hopefully starting an apprenticeship and continuing to build my confidence and independence."
