Hub for SUCCESS

Figures show that 73 per cent of care-experienced young people will leave school at the minimum age - 16 or before – compared with 27 per cent of all school leavers. Six per cent go directly from school to university compared with 41 per cent of all school leavers. Retention rates are also an issue the project aims to address.  

A region-wide initiative to increase educational opportunities for people who have spent time in care.  Edinburgh’s universities, colleges and the City Council work in partnership to reduce the numbers of care-experienced people leaving school at the minimum age and with few qualifications. The Hub is based in the City of Edinburgh Council Customer Hub on the Royal Mile and acts as a drop-in centre alongside its offer of home or campus visits. It has with a specific aim of increasing student retention at school. The Hub works with city schools to develop targeted projects that raise the expectations and awareness of care experienced people of all ages. 

The Hub is open to people of all ages who have experience of care. They do not need to meet the definition of ‘care leaver’ or be under 26, to access services. It also provides information and advice to carers and others who support people with care experience.   

The project was developed in consultation with Who Cares? Scotland, The Prince’s Trust and surrounding local authorities with the aim of identifying people who would benefit from support and encouragement to fulfil their potential. 

As a founding partner the initial costs of the project were met by the University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh Napier and Heriot-Watt and The Scottish Children’s Lottery through its Chance to Study programme. The partnership now includes The University of Edinburgh with Edinburgh Napier University, Heriot-Watt University, Queen Margaret University, the Open University in Scotland, Edinburgh College, Newbattle Abbey College and City of Edinburgh Council.