This page may contain additional navigation below.
University Receives Award for Supporting Students Formerly in Care
Bath Spa University has achieved recognition for the high level of support it gives to its students who have been in local authority care. The University has been awarded the Frank Buttle Trust Quality Mark for Care Leavers in Higher Education.
To apply successfully for the Quality Mark, Bath Spa had to demonstrate the steps taken to encourage students who have been in care to consider higher education and to demonstrate the support available once they start at the University.
These measures include running events for children in care from a number of different local authorities, assistance for students requiring year-round accommodation and financial assistance through a care leavers' bursary.
The Frank Buttle Trust set up the Quality Mark in 2006 in recognition of higher education institutions that go the extra mile to support students who have been in public care. The Trust particularly helps those children for whom parental support may be lacking.
One current student at Bath Spa University who was formerly in care, Alice Bambridge from Bristol, has just completed her first year of a Foundation Degree in Contemporary Circus and Physical Performance. She was in and out of local authority care for much of her childhood and had several foster care placements.
Alice said: "The staff on my course give me a lot of extra support. They have been very sensitive to my family problems and are really helpful if you are having a hard time. They are always available to talk things through and really listen to you."
Bath Spa University's Vice-Chancellor, Professor Frank Morgan, commented: "We are delighted to have been awarded the Frank Buttle Trust Quality Mark. It is recognition of the commitment of the University to supporting young people who have been in care. We work hard to help our students overcome any challenges they may encounter and to achieve their full potential."
The Quality Mark award will be presented to the Vice-Chancellor by a student who has been in care. The ceremony takes place at 1pm on 29 June in the University Theatre.
Press Release Issued 14 June 2010 by Student Services.