USP College Recognised Nationally for Outstanding Support of Young Carers
- Posted 09 Oct 2025
USP College has proudly been awarded the Young Carers in Schools Award, a prestigious national recognition celebrating educational institutions that go above and beyond to support students with caring responsibilities. The college achieved the award in July 2025, following a rigorous assessment process that highlighted its exceptional commitment to young carers across its campuses.
Creating a Culture of Care
From the outset, USP College has demonstrated a deep understanding of the challenges faced by young carers - students who provide care for family members due to illness, disability, mental health conditions, or substance misuse. The college has embedded a culture of compassion and proactive support, ensuring these students are not only identified but also empowered to thrive academically and personally.
Key highlights from the award assessment include:
- Dedicated Young Carers Champions: USP College has appointed both operational and senior leadership team (SLT) champions, making it easy for students, families, and staff to know who to contact for support.
- Robust Policies and Monitoring: The college has developed a comprehensive Young Carers Policy, commits to regular staff training, and monitors attendance and attainment to ensure no student is left behind.
- Awareness and Communication: Through assemblies, PSHE lessons, newsletters, and website updates, USP College ensures that pupils, families, and staff are well-informed about young carers and the support available.
- Transition and Enrolment Support: The college actively identifies young carers during enrolment and supports them through transitions between educational stages.
- Safe Spaces and Communication Channels: Drop-in sessions, worry boxes, and visible noticeboards provide young carers with accessible ways to seek help and connect with support staff.
A Model for Other Institutions
The award panel commended USP College for its innovative practices and inclusive ethos, noting that while some recommendations were made for further enhancement, the college had already met the core criteria with distinction.
This recognition places USP College among a select group of institutions leading the way in young carer support. It reflects the college’s unwavering dedication to equity, wellbeing, and student success.
Looking Ahead
USP College is now eligible to apply for the Award Plus, which builds on the foundation of the initial award and encourages even deeper engagement and impact. With its strong framework already in place, the college is well-positioned to continue setting the standard for young carer support in education.
