Higher Education Pathways: Supporting Young People to Professional Success

Access to higher education remains a critical pathway for young people seeking to develop specialist skills and secure professional careers. For local authorities, understanding the landscape of institutions and training providers is essential to ensuring that care leavers, SEND young people, and other vulnerable groups can navigate the transition from school to university or vocational higher education successfully. The right higher education pathway can transform life chances, particularly when it connects academic learning with practical professional qualifications. By signposting students towards courses that offer specialist training—whether through traditional universities, higher education colleges, or degree apprenticeship providers—councils can help ensure that every young person, regardless of background, has the opportunity to achieve their full potential and contribute to the local skills economy. This support is especially vital for those who may face barriers to progression, including looked-after children and care leavers who are entitled to specific support as they consider post-18 options. Local government cabinet members should be aware of the comprehensive services available to help these young people make informed choices about higher education, from application support through to accessing bursaries and pastoral care that sustains them through their studies.