At University Centre Leeds, we are committed to supporting students who are estranged from their families. We understand that starting a degree can be particularly challenging for estranged students, without the support and approval of a family network - particularly with accommodation, holidays, and lack of financial support. We want them to get the best out of their course, fulfil their potential and enjoy their university experience.
We provide support through our CARES scheme to help you access our courses and achieve the best results whilst studying with us. The CARES scheme offers support both, before and after enrolment and we will explain the support options to you on this page.
What do we mean by ‘Estranged’?
Estranged students are young people studying without the support of a family network, usually due to a long-term breakdown in the relationship with their parents or guardians. You may be eligible for additional support if you are under the age of 25 at the start of your course, with no contact, support, or approval from a family network.
What support is available at University Centre Leeds?
To help potential students make informed decisions about their higher education and degree choices, we offer:
● Personalised tours
● Named contact to support you throughout your studies
● Impartial information, advice and guidance on the courses available in higher education
● Taster days
● 1:1 application support
● Contextual admissions
● Enhanced transition support
● Access to the Widening Participation Mentoring Scheme
Eligible students will receive priority consideration for year-round (365-day) accommodation with our partner providers. While a guarantor is usually required, this may be waived upon evidence of CARES eligibility. Applicants will be contacted by our named contact to clarify the accommodation support offer and will be given the opportunity to select a suitable tenancy. The accommodation team contact information is [email protected].
Depending on eligibility, we offer several forms of financial support in the form of bursaries and grants.
We offer:
● CARES Bursary (up to £1000)
● Support for interview travel and/or materials (up to 50% of costs)
● Graduation gown hire and photography support (up to 50%)
● We also offer guidance on applying for student finance as an independent student.
The CARES Scheme offers tailored, wrap around support to help students feel safe, valued, and able to thrive both academically and personally.
Our on-course support includes:
Named Contact
All CARES students are assigned a named contact within the Access and Participation team who acts as their key point of support throughout their time with us. This contact provides regular check-ins, helps students navigate institutional processes, and advocates on their behalf when needed.
Pastoral Support
CARES students have access to one-to-one wellbeing check-ins throughout the year. These offer a safe, confidential space to discuss any concerns. Our team can also help connect students with appropriate services within and beyond the institution.
Academic Support and Guidance
We support students in developing the skills and confidence needed to succeed academically. CARES students are encouraged to access:
● Study skills workshops and academic coaching sessions.
● Personalised guidance on time management, academic writing, and assessment period planning.
● Referrals to academic staff or support services if additional learning support is needed.
Through the Wellbeing Team, students can be paired with trained mentors who offer encouragement, share their own experiences, and provide practical guidance to support their wellbeing.
Students will have priority access to confidential counselling services and, where appropriate, may be referred to external mental health services. We work proactively to support students' wellbeing and create a culture where seeking help is normalised and encouraged.
If you would like to find out more about the support available, you can contact our team on [email protected].
Other support
- Nominated estranged student support from the University Centre Leeds HE Progression and Wellbeing Officer and /or a Named contact from within the Safeguarding Team
- Buddying and/or mentoring schemes
- HE Counselling and Mental Health Officer
To find out more about applying for finance as an estranged student please visit: ucas.com/finance/additional-funding/financial-support-students-not-supported-their-parents-estranged. If you would like to discuss your concerns further, please contact our Admissions Team at [email protected].
External Support
The EaCES Handbook is a platform by and for students who are estranged, as well as care-experienced and refugee students. They provide advice, information, and peer-support.
Stand Alone: We are signatories of the Stand Alone Legacy Pledge, showing our commitment to supporting estranged students. Stand Alone provide advice and guidance to students who are considering higher education, or are currently studying and have been estranged from their family.
Become: Become mainly support care experienced young people, however they have lots of advice for estranged students including guides on accessing education, employment and additional financial support.
Go Higher West Yorkshire Estranged Student Pledge: We are signatories of the Go Higher West Yorkshire Estranged Student Pledge, which is designed to support estranged students to access higher education, and will help you with the transition from further education.
UCAS Guide for Estranged Students: UCAS have a helpful guide to navigate higher education, including what financial support you may be eligible for.
FAQs
Yes, we are happy to have conversations with any supporting staff, please get in touch via our email with any questions or to arrange a call.
Email: [email protected].
If you have recently become estranged, please do get in touch with us via our email address. A staff member can discuss your circumstances with you and talk through the next steps.
To be classed as “estranged” by Student Finance England (SFE), you’ll need to show that you’ve had no meaningful contact with your parents for at least 12 months (unless it’s unsafe to do so). Student Finance may ask for evidence from professionals such as a teacher, social worker, doctor, or support worker.
Yes. Organisations like Stand Alone and The Unite Foundation support estranged students and can connect you with peers who have similar experiences.
