John Lewis Partnership and The Open University to support more care experienced young people into higher education

Posted on 22 May 2025 • Around the OU

The Open University (OU) is now accepting applications for scholarships from people aged 30 years and under who have experienced the care system, funded by the John Lewis Partnership (JLP) and OU donor support.

The OU’s social justice mission states that everyone – regardless of background or circumstance – should receive the same opportunities and support to transform their lives through education.

Recent statistics from thinktank Civitas*, the Institute for the Study of Civil Society, show that in 2021/22, just 90 care leavers went to the top 32 universities in England.

These findings also show that just 14% of care leavers reach university education, compared to 47% of their peers who haven’t spent time in care.

Number of those in the care system growing

Additionally, Civitas report that there are an estimated 108,000 young people growing up in the care system and that number is growing.

For the past two years running, the OU is offering a scholarship for those that are care experienced, as a result of funding from both JLP and the OU donor community.

Ceira Thom, Head of Learning, Inclusion and Belonging at the John Lewis Partnership, said:

“The challenges that young people who have grown up in care face can make something like university feel out of reach. That’s why we’re so proud to support these scholarships with The Open University — to show care experienced young people that they matter, that their dreams are valid, and that we believe in their potential. Everyone deserves the chance to thrive, and we’re honoured to play a part in making that possible.”

Althea, who found herself in foster care just before reaching sixth form at school, says being given the opportunity to take up a scholarship has been life-changing for her.

“This scholarship has changed the trajectory of my life, allowing for greater success on my course and eliminating the stress of student debt. I am forever grateful for this scholarship and anyone who contributed to bringing it to fruition,” she said.

She is now studying for a BA (Hons) in English Literature and Creative Writing, is determined to become a published poet and has ambitions to train as a teacher.

Applications now open

She is one of 12 students who have benefited from the Care Experienced scholarship over the past two cohorts. This is the third year JLP and the OU are partnering, with places now open for new applications for the 2025/26 cohort.

Applications to be part of the 2024/25 Care Experienced Scholarship cohort far outweighed the number of places available and further donor support is vital to allow more prospective students to follow their dreams this autumn.

To find out how to apply for the Care Experienced Scholarship visit Care Experienced Scholarship | Funding | The Open University.

To be eligible for the next scholarship cohort for care experienced people, applicants must be:

• 30 years of age or under on 1 September 2025
• Starting OU study for the first time in the 2025/26 academic year
• Ordinarily resident in the UK and eligible for a UK fee
• Hold no existing higher education qualification(s)
• Able to demonstrate proof of experience of being in care
• Have a gross personal income of not more than £25,000 per year or receive a qualifying benefit
• Studying a module as part of an undergraduate qualification in the academic year 2025/26 (1 September 2025 to 31 August 2026)
• Studying a minimum of 30 credits a year.

* https://www.civitas.org.uk/content/files/Breaking-the-care-ceiling.pdf