Student parents do not get the support they need to succeed in HE

Posted: 19-10-2012

A study funded by the Nuffield Foundation has found that students with children are not getting the support they need to succeed in higher education. While student parents are a growing presence in higher education, national and university policies continue to address the needs of students as if they had no caring responsibilities.

However, there was also some variation between universities, with some offering some extensive provision for student parents and reviewing their policies on the basis of how this group would be affected.

The research, led by Dr Marie-Pierre Moreau from the University of Bedfordshire, developed ten case studies of English universities, by analysing policy statements and conducting interviews with student parents and university staff.

The report includes recommendations for a range of organisations, including higher education institutions, student support organisations, the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) and the Student Loans Company.

The report can found at these links: