University gets stamp of approval

The University successfully applied for The Frank Buttle Trust Quality Mark for Care Leavers in Higher Education.

To achieve the Quality Mark, the University’s student support service, The Gateway, had to demonstrate the steps taken to encourage students who have been in care to consider higher education and the support provided once they start at the University.

These include help completing UCAS applications, support for students requiring year-round accommodation and financial assistance through bursaries.

Kirsty Jones, Head of The Gateway, said: “We are delighted to have been awarded the Frank Buttle Trust Quality Mark in recognition of our commitment to supporting Care Leavers and Looked After Children who may face particular challenges in seeking to secure a place in Higher Education.”

To gain the Quality Mark, the University submitted an outline plan for what they would do to support students who have been in care before and during their time at the University.

The Frank Buttle Trust set up the Quality Mark in 2006 in recognition of Higher Education institutions that go the extra mile to support students who have been in public care. The Trust particularly helps those children for whom parental support may be lacking, and special consideration is given to the needs of children who are estranged from their parents or looked after by adoptive parents, relatives or a family friend.

ENDS

For more information please contact Vickie Warren in the Media Relations Office on 01902 322736