Queen’s is the first higher education body in Northern Ireland to receive a National Network for the Education of Care Leavers (NNECL) Quality Mark, a prestigious accreditation that recognises universities and colleges for their support of students who have experience of care. 

Queen’s held a special event in Queen’s Students’ Union on Wednesday 15 January to celebrate achieving the accreditation. The event allowed students and young people to share their lived experiences of care and education, and Queen’s and NNECL staff highlighted the importance of initiatives that enable young people with experience of care to access opportunities that allow them to thrive academically and socially. 

Speaking at the celebratory event, Lauren Stewart, 25, a first year Biochemistry student at Queen’s with experience of the care system, said: 

“I always dreamed of going to university from a young age but didn’t always feel it was possible. My background and care experience left me lacking in confidence, and after dropping out of my A Levels, I thought the ship had sailed. But after undertaking therapy and through the support of close friends, I felt ready to return to education. I completed an Access Course at South Eastern Regional College (SERC) which led me to my degree at Queen’s. The Widening Participation Unit at Queen’s have been a real help and comfort during my time at University. 

“It is so important that everyone has access to further education, no matter their circumstances. It’s never too late to go back to education, and there are other pathways to university. I would like my own experience to demonstrate to others that it is possible, and there is support available to you. Sometimes all it takes is a person or people to believe in you to help change your perspective.”  

Queen’s has a dedicated programme in place to ensure students with experience of care are supported to reach their full potential. This year, the University has administered 54 Care-Experienced Bursaries and has close to 100 students who have indicated that they have experience of care.  

Queen’s President and Vice-Chancellor, Professor Sir Ian Greer, added: 

“Becoming Northern Ireland’s first Higher Education institution to achieve the NNECL Quality Mark highlights our University’s commitment to fostering inclusivity and providing a supportive environment for all students. This is particularly important for students from care-experienced backgrounds, who may face additional challenges in higher education. Providing wraparound support and tailored initiatives contributes to our care-experienced students’ overall wellbeing and future success.” 

Financial assistance and guaranteed student accommodation 365 days a year is available for students with experience of care, as well as academic guidance and prioritised internship and work experience placements.  

The University’s holistic approach to supporting the needs of students with experience of care aims to ensure these students can engage with mental health and wellbeing support. The approach also offers a range of pre-entry support for prospective students. 

The increased emphasis on this tailored approach, and stronger partnership referral processes with schools to establish priority course placements, has seen care-experienced young people in schools engaged with the University’s Pathway Opportunity Programme, grow from 2 to 10 in the last academic year. 

Denise Rawls, Executive Director at NNECL, attended the event. She said: 

“Queen’s University Belfast becoming the first university in Northern Ireland to achieve our Quality Mark is exciting. This bold action signals Queen’s commitment to breaking down barriers to educational opportunity and building a society that supports the aspiration of every young person, regardless of their background.  

“Today I have been delighted to witness what we learned through the Quality Mark submission; incredible care, practical support addressing the well understood barriers our young people face around finance and accommodation, together with stimulating environments to learn in. What stands out beyond measure is a university team driven by kindness. At Queen’s, young people with care backgrounds are empowered from enrolment to graduation and beyond to flourish and achieve their full educational potential.”

 

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