Going to university
The Virtual School's higher education offer:
- A designated virtual school higher education advisor, who will coordinate your higher education journey from start to finish, support transition, and assist with educational needs.
- Assistance with choosing a course and university that matches your talents and interests.
- Coordination and support to attend up to 5 open days and interviews.
- Two Virtual School university workshops.
1. To apply for tuition fees, loans, and bursaries available from Student Finance and from individual higher education establishments.
2. Study skills and academic writing.
- University starter pack in year one of your higher education course.
- Equipment and resources for your education.
- A contribution towards your deposit for university accommodation and exploring alternative arrangements in the holidays.
- A Virtual School bursary up to £5,500 per year, based on a needs assessment, which can be paid throughout the year.
- Support in planning finances.
- Advocating on your behalf with universities, tutors, and support services throughout the course to ensure all possible support is in place.
- Health and wellbeing, including referrals to specialist agencies.
- Career development and postgraduate courses.
- Support with developing a professional platform for graduate employment.
- £3,500 support for a postgraduate course.
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.