Colleges across Merseyside have today signed a pledge to strive to ensure that cared for and care experienced students have a fulfilling and successful experience in education.

High Aspirations

The Sefton FE Partnership Agreement represents an understanding that this cohort of students and young people will have had challenging life experiences and obstacles that may impact on their confidence and ability to perform to their best in education. All the signatories have high aspirations for their students and are committed to offering a higher level of support and guidance to help them to achieve their goals in education, and in life.

Widening Opportunities

Sefton Virtual School have worked closely with our young people, their advocates and the colleges themselves to develop this agreement and ensure that the voices of all stakeholders are heard. The work is part of a broader focus from the Virtual School to widen opportunities in education for our young people and ensure that they attend educational settings where their needs are understood, and high quality support and a rich curriculum offer is available.

This agreement is Merseyside wide and includes:

• City of Liverpool College
• Hugh Baird College
• Southport and KGV 6^th Form College
• Knowsley Community College
• Myerscough College
• St Helens College
• Wirral Met College

The Virtual School are looking to add further colleges in the coming months. For more information, email Charlie.Smith@sefton.gov.uk

Mary Palin, Headteacher for the Virtual School said: “This partnership agreement represents the commitment and aspiration of our colleges to inspire, support and challenge our care experienced students to aim high, overcome barriers and develop their academic and life skills.

“Our collective intention is to help our young people to develop and grow into happy and accomplished adults whose skills and qualities will benefit the communities in which they live and work.”

Cllr Diane Roscoe, Sefton Council Cabinet Member for Education said: “In our role as a corporate parent, it is essential that we make efforts to ensure our young people thrive in education and feel supported, understood and inspired.

“I am so pleased to see so many colleges in Merseyside commit to working with our young people to ensure they can pursue whatever they want to achieve their goals.”

Michelle Brabner, Principal of Southport College said: “It is wonderful to see the launch of the partnership agreement, which formally recognises the combined commitment of Southport Education Group colleges and the Virtual School, to supporting our cared for and care experienced learners.

“We are passionate about removing barriers and creating equity of opportunity for our young people. I would like to say a huge thanks to everyone involved now and in the future.”

You can use this link to find out more about Sefton Virtual School.