A uni that supports people like me has a commitment to those who are estranged or care leavers. If the Unite Scholarship is available - go for it! ...
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A uni that supports people like me has a commitment to those who are estranged or care leavers. If the Unite Scholarship is available – go for it! Impact Report 2019 unitefoundation.co.uk
We transform life chances today and inspire
young people of the future.
We provide We offer a safe and We share knowledge
scholarships stable home through of the challenges our
that make higher the excellence of scholars face with
education possible our support influential parties in
policy and practice
All quotes and case studies in this report are from scholarship students.
We alter some names and sometimes use models to protect privacy.
The Unite Foundation champions
care-experienced and estranged
students to access, progress and
succeed at university.
So why do we work with these particular For this reason, we’ve recently
groups? Year after year, the statistics commissioned our first significant
show that care-experienced and research project to investigate the
estranged young people are far less barriers to higher education for
likely to go to university than their peers. care-experienced and estranged young
Only 12% of care-leavers under the age people, and learn what kind of support
of 23 go to university, and of those, actually helps. We hope to use this
almost half will leave before the end of research to inform our own work, and to
their course. We want to change that. share new ideas across the sector that
will transform the lives of young people
We can’t take the place of a supportive beyond the reach of our scholarships.
family, but we can provide a safe, stable
and secure home to allow our scholars to We are just one organisation playing
concentrate on studying for a better our part in tackling a complex challenge.
future. Our scholarship scheme - unique In the following pages you’ll see a
in the HE sector - supports social mobility review of our work as well as get an
and helps widen participation by insight into the experience of our
removing a key barrier to success, but we scholarship students.
recognise that in reality, the opportunity
gap between disadvantaged young
people and their peers remains incredibly
stubborn. We want to learn how to
change that.
Eluned Parrott
Director
1
Home fit for study
I’m an example of
how this university
scholarship can
change a life.
2
Ella’s experience
“My childhood was difficult and I went It wasn’t all plain sailing. There were
into foster care for the sake of my mental some health struggles along the way
health when I was 16. During that time my particularly in the early days when I was
studies were always my escape and anxious about fitting in but support was
when I visited university for an open day there. I needed to learn how to reach out
I knew it was where I wanted to be. and trust in those around me. I’ve worked
The Unite Foundation Scholarship made hard too mind you and tried to make the
that possible. most of every opportunity that came my
way even when it was out of my
Some might think that the scholarship is comfort zone.
just about money but it is so much more
than that - it’s giving someone like I’m really proud of myself and know that I
me a chance. have the strength and ability to now make
my own way in the world. I’m now in my
I was with the Unite Foundation right Masters year and working part-time for
though my undergraduate degree. All a PR consultancy. Next year will be
year round I had a home to call my own another leap forward into the world of
that was warm, safe and fit for study. full time work.
Worries about money were hugely
reduced and I got to pursue the The Uni and the Unite Foundation have
academic course I loved and I’ve met both helped me gear up for that by
and made amazing friends. creating chances to work in my chosen
field throughout my course and really
boosting my CV. I’ve worked for the
university marketing team and Unite
introduced me to a commercial comms
company for some work experience
My confidence has with them.
grown and I’ve a I know first-hand that a lack of positive
whole new set of family support affects so much practically
and emotionally, that it can just become
skills for the future. overwhelming or so exhausting to keep
climbing the barriers that you just want
Isn’t this what the to give up.
university experience My scholarship helped me overcome all
is all about? of that. The Unite Foundation not only
made university possible for me; it gave
me the same chance as others to make a
success of it.”
3
Our work in numbers
5,300 29%
visits to our knew about the scholarship
‘get a scholarship’ before starting their
website page university application
224 90
applications in new scholarships
2018 - up from awarded in 2018/19
123 in 17/18 – up from 70 in 17/18
344 200+
scholarships awarded current students
since 2012 and growing
84 50
graduates so far more graduates in
summer 2019
4
Our Scholarship students -
a national picture
The Foundation scholarship community aims to
reflect the wider student population to ensure
equity but also to inform long-term research.
We place equal value on young people Our 18/19 intake matched the most
from a range of academic backgrounds recent student profile of female 56% v
and are acutely aware of the differential male 44% but overall our scholarship
university outcomes experienced by population (60: 40) suggests we need to
those with disability, BaME background actively target more care leaver and
or mental health challenge; estranged young men going forward.
characteristics that are highly
represented in care-leaver and
estranged student populations.
Home region Benchmark: % UCAS Acceptance 2017/18
% 2018/19 scholarship students
North East London Wales
12 18 4
8 28 2
North West South East Scotland
11 13 8
11 10 7
Midlands South West Northern Ireland
15 8 3
17 13 2
East of England
9 We will improve our balance of support across the country whilst also reflecting
1 known densities of potential scholars in urban areas such as London.
5
Area of study
Benchmark: % All UK undergraduates (UCAS 16/17)
% 2018/19 scholarship students
Agriculture and related subjects Education Mathematical Sciences
1 4 2
0 3 4
Architecture, Building and Planning Engineering & Technology Medicine & Dentistry
2 6 3
3 8 2
Biological Sciences Historical & Philosophical Studies Physical Sciences
12 4 5
7 4 3
Business & Administrative Studies Languages Social Studies
12 5 10
13 2 18
Computer Science Law Subjects Allied to Medicine
5 4 12
5 2 8
Creative Arts & Design Mass Communications & Documentation
10 3
13 4
Our scholarship population is currently weighted toward social studies. We will monitor
this trend in the context of the wider care and estranged student profile.
6
Location of study
Scotland
43
North East
North West
41 46
Midlands
30
South West
London
77 86
South East
21
This map shows numbers of scholarships since our start in 2012 and reflects our
growth pattern. We will ensure all of our university partners are able to develop
communities of students and will balance the benefit of our awards within our network.
7
A leap into the unknown?
Although most students adapt
to the realities of university life,
the excitement and freedom
80%
of teenagers aged 16-19 are
that it promises often obscures confident they can manage their
money, 78% didn’t know the price
the more challenging realities of a pint of milk.
Youthsight poll for
Unite Students, 2018.
of living independently.
Research with school-aged
children and existing students
9% Reality Check,
highlights some of the of students say their higher
education experience closely
2017. Unite &
Higher Education
expectation and competency matches their expectations. Policy Institute.
gaps that any young person
might experience when making
the leap between school or
college into HE.
47%
of 6th formers feel unprepared to live
Survey of 2,396
first year university
students conducted
for Unite Students
with people they’ve not met before. in 2017.
61%
of applicants feel anxious about going
Reality Check, 2017.
Unite & Higher
Education Policy
to university. Institute.
8The transition into university
is known to be key to the
successful integration of
85%
of university partners reported early
students. engagement with care leaver and
estranged students as a result of
the scholarship.
Our scholarship scheme
supports that important life
moment by incentivising early
engagement between university
14%
and student, fostering a sense of scholarship students moved into
their student flat early reflecting the
of belonging and personalising often precarious nature of previous
living arrangements.
the physical move itself.
94%
of students thought their room was
‘as, or better than expected’.
100%
of surveyed scholarship students
‘felt welcomed’ into their new home.
9Rianna’s experience
“I found out about the scholarship from I was given lots of information before
the uni website and my Local Authority I made the move so I definitely knew
Personal Advisor had known that they where I was going and what I needed to
held the scholarship as I think they have do though it was still a bit of practical
been a long time university partner. I was challenge getting myself and my stuff
nervous about exam results of course as there on my own on the coach! Like
I did not know how it would turn out, but everyone else I was a bit nervous about
I achieved what I’d hoped and so was who I’d be living with but Unite has a
good to go. handy app that meant that we could
contact and get to know each other a little
My experience of moving from my before we arrived which took away a lot
hometown to uni actually was fantastic of the fear.
when it could have gone very differently.
Much of that was down to the contact It was through that app that my ‘soon to
from the uni, the Foundation and my be’ flatmate offered to come collect my
student flat that was so personal to me. gear from the coach station so that I
could ride my bike back to the student
building. That was really kind of her and
not something that I think I’d have felt
comfortable asking for help with on the
first day.
My transition was Unite Foundation was in touch the week
so smooth, I feel before arrival – checking if I was OK,
needed any help or info to get me
like I have made comfortably settled in. It’s been stress
free and I feel well looked after.”
another home.
10Feeling welcomed
Unite Foundation
was in touch the
week before
arrival – checking
if I was OK.
11How to succeed; thoughts and
advice from our scholarship students
for those with similar backgrounds.
Join societies Apply for the foundation scholarship!
The thing I found the hardest about
and socialise.
being a care leaver at uni was the
uncertainty around where I was going
to live during the summer with
nowhere else to go. The scholarship
has given me reassurance and financial
support, which has been the main
reason I am thriving so much in my
I know that there is probably a current degree.
voice in your head that is
doubting you, but for one
second, try to think about the
best possible outcome that could
come from it. You are absolutely
deserving of whatever you put
your mind and heart to.
Why not do it?
The amount of support
you’ll receive is incredible.
I did and you can too!
12The work is not insurmountable [millions
of others have done it before]. Whatever
course you pick you’ll end up liking and
hating it at the same time anyway, so just
have the ‘what happens after’ mentality
and you’ll be fine.
Make the most of It will be a life
the support and changer and open
opportunities you up to so
available and ask many more
for help if needed. opportunities.
I would encourage you to go
to University but be aware
of how much of a challenge
and how demanding it is.
13Safe and secure
Maybe the best part
is the reliability of
it all – my home is
stable and secure.
14Jason’s experience
The Unite Foundation has been an
incredible support to me. Without it I
doubt that I would have settled into my
first year so well – I got to move in early
and all the team at uni and in my flat were
really supportive when I was trying to get
it all sorted out. I was self-conscious that
other freshers had family and so on
around doing all of that stuff.
“I have been and am still on a personal Maybe the best part is the reliability of it
journey that has been tough and not all – my home is stable and secure.
always understood by others around me. Being here all year round is a great
I have found my halls such a safe place to option but I was able to use the flexibility
be where my personal circumstances are so that I could spend last summer in one
included and welcomed. I feel personally of the Unite buildings in Edinburgh so
safe and accepted here which is not that I could work which was incredible.
something I’ve been used to. I’ve got flexibility to choose how I take the
benefit of the scholarship so it’s like a
There is 24/7 security so you can always safety net with no pressure.”
get in and there’s someone ready to
handle any emergency big or small.
15Helen’s experience
“There are many hundreds of estranged It’s amazing that I could get a scholarship
students in the UK and I was one of them after already having started uni – I am
for my first two years of my course at incredibly grateful for all the help and
university. Living on an estranged student being able to live for free in a purpose
loan has been tough to say the least. built student flat is invaluable in this vital
final year. I have no excuses now when it
There is a low awareness really of comes to dissertation time! It was just the
estrangement and I myself did not really lift I was desperate for to help me over the
know what to say about myself when final hurdle. I feel secure and this
others asked or chatted about family. scholarship came just when I needed it.
It is something that makes you feel a bit
ashamed without really knowing why and I’m working hard now to raise awareness
so I would often avoid it – which made it for the benefit of other estranged
tricky when I needed a helping hand. students so that mine and other
I often had to explain to different universities are supportive places to
contacts at university as well as student come where your situation is understood
finance and the fact of telling the same and support is there to get that all
personal information repeatedly is important degree.”
really depressing.
Before the scholarship most of my
time was spent just trying to keep
myself housed, fed and able to get
to uni. Coming to university felt like
I could improve my situation.
16The right time
It’s amazing that
I could get a
scholarship after
already having
started uni.
17Research
To complement and build on our direct
support for students, we have commissioned
research to understand better the factors
affecting students who come from a
background of care or family estrangement.
Pro
fe
ss
Ja
or
The research aims • existing interventions c qu
e li
ne
to understand: supporting these students Stev
enson
and their efficacy plus
• the causes of differential
outcomes for care- • recommendations for new/
experienced and refined practices/practical
estranged students; interventions.
A mixed methods approach has been
adopted to gather the perspectives of
students and other stakeholders, draw
out differences, complexities and
intricacies of their experiences, and
develop guidance for the HE sector.
Student recruitment will be key and
student researchers will be deployed
as part of a commitment to capacity
building. Students with lived experience
will undertake desk-based research,
advise on the development of the
research tool and support the delivery
of interviews and focus groups as well
as contribute to the delivery of a one
day ‘summit’ event. In addition data
from the Higher Education Statistics
Agency (HESA) and student finance
agencies will be analysed to build on
existing statistical knowledge.
18St
el
Jo
la
ne
s-D
evi
tt
Dr
Ne
il Harr
ison
Be
cca
Bl and
Dr
Zoe
Baker
The research team from Sheffield representative research with estranged We plan to use this robust evidence base
Hallam University is led by Professor students. Stevenson and Bland have to guide our own decision making, and to
Jacqueline Stevenson, who has worked collaboratively to produce share it widely for the benefit of all
extensive experience of research in the the forthcoming Family Matters report, institutions and organisations who are
field of higher education (HE) access, exploring the role of family in student working with this group of students.
retention and success. The research success. In this way we can deliver benefit
will draw on a team of researchers beyond the reach of our direct impact.
comprising Dr Neil Harrison (Rees The resulting report - expected in late
Centre Oxford University), Becca Bland 2019 - should provide a broad overview
(Stand Alone charity), Dr Zoe Baker and of both academic and practical
Stella Jones-Devitt (Sheffield Hallam). application that will set the Foundation
and others on the path to delivering
This team comprises leading researchers better retention and graduate outcomes.
in the field. Harrison has recently It will provide a baseline from which
completed the Moving On Up report further studies can build, as well as
on care-experienced students in HE moving the current agenda forward
in England, including the most now by answering previously
comprehensive statistical analysis and unexplored questions.
largest student survey to date. Becca
Bland has carried out the only
19Life after uni
For me this has
been a secure
platform for my
university life –
familiar, safe and
suitable for study.
20Brian’s experience
“I am now in my fourth and final year at The Foundation has really been there
De Montfort University having been when I needed them since my first year
supported throughout my academic life of University. They have provided me with
by the Unite Foundation Scholarship. shelter throughout my studies which I
will always be grateful for. I have also
For me this has been a secure platform attended networking training they
for my university life – familiar, safe and provided which helped me secure my
suitable for study. I arrived in this country London placement year at the National
as a child refugee from Zimbabwe and Physical Laboratory.”
have been supporting myself from high
school to university so this Scholarship
was a dream come true.
This opportunity showed me that with
the right help and dedication anything is
possible. With graduation around the
This opportunity
corner I realise that I’m facing another
major transition; to support myself and
allowed me to
pursue my ambition to work in the TV access things that
Production and Film Industry.
will help me in my
This Scholarship has helped in my
first step towards my career and when future career and
I graduate I can look back and continue
pushing myself and hopefully my story opened my eyes to
will inspire someone that is on the brink
of giving up everything. the life I can live.
21Success for the Foundation is not just about
degrees awarded; it’s about lives being empowered
through knowledge, skills and confidence despite
early disadvantage.
P O S TC A R D
Here are some ‘postcards’ from
Not having to worry whilst
a handful of our Alumni. I was at university allowed
me to get a first class and
meant I was able to get on
a Forensic Accounting
graduate scheme -
thank you!
P O S TC A R D Graduated
2018
w CD
I’m currently living in Ne
ha ve a
Jersey USA and
very well paid job as an
administrator and youth
director at a Presbyteria
n Graduated
2016
rking wit h
church. I love wo
de finitely
youth so I would
my
say I’m currently doing
dream job.
LM Q P O S TC A R D
I’m working at KPMG. It’s
hard work but there’s lots
of other grads so the social
side of work is pretty good.
I’ve just bought a flat of my
own with my partner!
LH Graduated
2017
22P O S TC A R D
After graduating I moved on
to do a PGCE in Biology
Teaching to hopefully inspire P O S TC A R D
kids the same way my After graduating I worked as a
biology teacher inspired me. paralegal for a while then
The funding from Unite applied for my Masters. I just
enabled me to go to Graduated graduated from USC and was
university in the first place.
2018
lucky enough to land a fantastic
job as a coordinator in a large
DI entertainment company.
I cannot stress how important Graduated
2015
the Unite Scholarship was in
getting me to my current level
of success. JL
P O S TC A R D
I qualified as a registered
children’s nurse. I’m working P O S TC A R D
now as a Band 5 Staff nurse
and am rotating between I’m working as a
general paediatrics neonatal Marketing and Brand
intensive care and a renal / Manager. We work with
urology ward. Each rotation Graduated corporate clients to
2018
lasts 8 months and increase social and
I absolutely love it! ethnic diversity within their
companies. It’s a win-win Graduated
GC
2016
for the young people
and the corporates!
HS
23Our work in numbers
2017/18 Income 2017/18 Expenditure
Unite Students donation Student housing cost
£1,541k £1,136k
Dividend income Student living allowance bursaries
£261k £246k
Other donations Communications
£11k £37k
Total Management & Governance
£1,813k £101k
24Thanks to this
scholarship I feel safe
to learn and have a fair
chance against those
who come from more
secure backgrounds.
Joe T - London
25You can help!
There are lots of ways that you can play your
part furthering our work and improving the
life chances of the young people we support.
Learn more Take the leap - Inform
Sign up to our termly bulletin – Unite
Foundation News – to receive updates
challenge yourself If you’re care experienced, estranged or
have other experience that can inform
straight to your email inbox. Every edition We’ve got scholarships covered thanks to our work then we want to hear from you.
shares information on current activity for the generous support of Unite Students We’re on twitter @theunitefdn or you
both our scholarship and research our principal donor. But you can take us can get in touch to explore sharing your
strands. As you’d expect our students further. We want to create student-led viewpoint with policy makers or
feature in each copy too. Just visit our café clubs so that our scholars can get researchers.
website at www.unitefoundation.co.uk, together and share their experiences,
head to the footer and ‘sign up for more help each other to navigate uni life, and
information’. The website is where you’ll be there for each other at the challenging
find our published research and related times like Christmas. We already provide
materials. housing to underpin work experience or
placement years but with your help we
can go further and cover travel to
workshops and skills building events.
To go the extra mile in 2019 we’re starting
our first set of sporting challenges and
have Foundation friends taking part in the
Virgin London Marathon, Hackney Half
and the Prudential Ride London events.
It’s worth taking on your own personal
challenge – get in touch to get on board.
26I’m challenging myself to run 26.2 miles and making
this huge leap out of my comfort zone was
significant for me. It pales in comparison though to
the hurdles faced by the young people the
Foundation supports. As I run I have found myself
regularly considering the significance of support
networks in all of our lives, networks that are so
crucial to the success of care experienced and
estranged students in Higher Education. We know
that without a circle of support, relying on grit and
determination alone, it can be so much more
challenging to stay the course. I’m running the
marathon on my birthday so that I can make the gift
Frankie O’Connell
of a support network to a young person in need.
Unite London
Taking part in a sporting event in our
own city helps us live our corporate
values and builds team spirit of
course but for us it’s more than that.
Team London is obsessed with
doing our best for every student
and we’re really proud of the
Foundation. If donning lycra and
getting some blisters means we can
be part of a better experience for
young people facing the biggest
barriers then bring it on! Priya Clarke
27Maddy’s experience
It was a real wrench to move to uni from
the flat that I’d spent so much effort to
get in the first place. London was scary to
begin with and you have to get used to
living with other people.
Much of the photography in this Maddy’s student finance came
report was undertaken by through a full month after she
scholarship student @ started university. If she had not
maddyreynardphotography. been on the Unite Foundation
Maddy is a first year at London scholarship scheme she would
Metropolitan University who lived have been in immediate housing
alone and supported herself from debt or homeless.
the age of 15 by taking
baby and child portraits.
28Chance to study
We work in partnership with universities across the UK. info@unitefoundation.co.uk @theunitefdn unitefoundation.co.uk The Unite Foundation is a charitable trust registered with the Charity Commission for England and Wales, charity number: 1147344, and in Scotland, charity number: SC043324.
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