Uxbridge College has been recognised for the training, education and support it gives to young people in and leaving care.

The College is one of only two in London to receive The Buttle UK Quality Mark for Care Leavers, which is awarded to further and higher education institutions who demonstrate their commitment to students in and leaving care.

To achieve the quality mark, Uxbridge College demonstrated a clear understanding of the issues facing looked-after children and care leavers progressing to and within further education - the College has nearly150 students in this category.

Uxbridge College’s work with looked-after children and care leavers has included: • A £1,200 guaranteed bursary to all students aged 16-19. This is administered in 30 weekly payments of £40 paid directly into student’s bank accounts.

• Financial assistance for care leavers aged 19 and over based on their individual needs.

• A welcome pack given to students at enrolment including useful stationery items and information about the support offered at the College.

• One-to-one meetings with the designated support worker to support individual students.

• Tailored advice and guidance for students wishing to proceed to Higher Education.

• Collaboration with tutors, Social Workers and other agencies to provide a supporting network in which young people can achieve their potential.

Gavin Hughes, Director of Student Services at Uxbridge College, said: “This award is excellent news for Uxbridge College as it gives formal recognition to the support we have been giving young people in and leaving care for many years. We will continue to build on our work in this area to ensure every one of our students receives the individual education, training and support to help them do the very best they can.”

Sarah Mottram, Designated Support Worker for Looked After Children and Care Leavers at Uxbridge College, said: “The Buttle Quality Mark has really helped us to focus our commitment to this group of young people. We can already see that the bursary has had a marked impact on attendance and achievement. I’m very proud of the students that I’ve worked with so far and look forward to seeing them go on to succeed in the future.”

Susan Mueller, Buttle UK Quality Mark Manager, said: “We are very pleased with the success of this award and are delighted to extend it to Uxbridge College. The College has amply displayed its dedication and initiative to helping young people leaving care to receive an education and have the opportunity to succeed and move on to the next stage of their lives.

“Our Quality Mark is also a clear way for Uxbridge College to demonstrate its credentials to partners, funders, inspectorates and the wider community – and importantly to the young people from care themselves.

“Buttle UK is the largest grant-giving organisation in the country directly supporting children and families living in poverty.”

The Quality Mark is awarded to colleges and universities which commit to support a young person who has been in care, to access further and higher education and successfully complete their studies and achieve their ambitions.