Going to university
If you want to go to university, our Virtual School further education personal adviser offers workshops and advice by email, phone and social media about:
- education options, including degree apprenticeships and study abroad
- UCAS and CUKAS applications
- managing budget, debt, and student finance applications, advocating on your behalf to universities and financial organisations
- arranging student housing and resolving disputes extensions
- deferring and gap year options
- health and wellbeing, including referrals to specialists.
You can also get a higher education budget of up to £5,500 a year from our Virtual School to cover your education and maintenance costs.
Training and apprenticeships
You might be eager to start work and / or train while in employment. We work with several teams and organisations who will support you and your leaving care personal adviser to get you ready for employment, build your CV, give a practical view on supporting letters and support you to find opportunities that suit you.
Volunteering and other opportunities
Volunteering can make you feel good, give you mental stimulation and provide a sense of purpose. If you're struggling to find work or just don’t know what to do, volunteering is a great way to gain experience and prove commitment to future employers.
It can also give you connections that lead to paid work.You don't have to make a long-term commitment. Find an opportunity to suit you.
GoVolHerts – volunteering in Hertfordshire
Care Leaver Covenant – Connects
Hertfordshire became a signatory to the Care Leaver Covenant in May 2024. This was part of our commitment to expand education, employment and training opportunities and to make the lives of Hertfordshire care leavers better.
The Care Leaver Covenant runs a site called Connects, which shares opportunities and updates to care leavers nationally. All you have to do is sign up to get regular alerts.