Young carers face significant disadvantages in post‑16 education in England. By the end of secondary education, they achieve fewer qualifications overall and are much less likely to meet key benchmarks such as gaining three or more A‑levels or equivalent qualifications. Importantly, these gaps persist even after accounting for socioeconomic background, showing that caring responsibilities themselves limit educational opportunities. The findings highlight that many young carers have lacked adequate support to balance caring with learning over many years, helping to explain why young carers are under‑represented in higher education and emphasising the need for targeted support across further and higher education.
Rebecca Lacey et al. | Young carers post-16 academic attainment in England |The Nuffield Foundation, 2025