{"id":27286,"date":"2025-05-22T14:29:20","date_gmt":"2025-05-22T13:29:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.open.ac.uk\/blogs\/news\/?p=27286"},"modified":"2026-01-20T14:23:22","modified_gmt":"2026-01-20T14:23:22","slug":"john-lewis-partnership-and-the-open-university-to-support-more-care-experienced-young-people-into-higher-education","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.open.ac.uk\/blogs\/news\/around-ou\/john-lewis-partnership-and-the-open-university-to-support-more-care-experienced-young-people-into-higher-education\/","title":{"rendered":"John Lewis Partnership and The Open University to support more care experienced young people into higher education"},"content":{"rendered":"

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)<\/a> and OU donor support.<\/p>\n

The OU\u2019s social justice mission states that everyone \u2013 regardless of background or circumstance \u2013 should receive the same opportunities and support to transform their lives through education.<\/p>\n

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

These findings also show that just 14% of care leavers reach university education, compared to 47% of their peers who haven\u2019t spent time in care.<\/p>\n

Number of those in the care system growing<\/h2>\n

Additionally, Civitas report that there are an estimated 108,000 young people growing up in the care system and that number is growing.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Ceira Thom, Head of Learning, Inclusion and Belonging at the John Lewis Partnership, said:<\/p>\n

\u201cThe challenges that young people who have grown up in care face can make something like university feel out of reach. That\u2019s why we\u2019re so proud to support these scholarships with The Open University \u2014 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\u2019re honoured to play a part in making that possible.\u201d<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

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.<\/p>\n

“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,”<\/em> she said.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

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.<\/p>\n

Applications now open<\/h2>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

To find out how to apply for the Care Experienced Scholarship visit Care Experienced Scholarship | Funding | The Open University<\/a>.<\/p>\n

To be eligible for the next scholarship cohort for care experienced people, applicants must be:<\/p>\n