Research and analysis
How schools and colleges support the academic and personal progress of children in care
Research on the experiences of children in care in schools and colleges.
Applies to England
Documents
Details
This research explores how mainstream schools and colleges support the academic progress and personal development of children in the care of local authorities.
It uses research visits, surveys and interviews to highlight effective practice, barriers to progress, and implications for education inspection and improvement. It also puts forward recommendations to help create more effective and inclusive provision.
Our aim was to understand what good practice looks like and what it is like to be a child in care in schools and college settings. We carried out the research during the 2024/2025 academic year.
Updates to this page
Published 12 March 2026