The University is proud to have its work supporting care experienced and sanctuary seeker students recognised with the renewal of two nationally recognised quality marks this year.

The National Network for the Education of Care Leavers (NNECL) has approved the University’s Quality Mark, which signifies a university has demonstrated support for the inclusion and success of students with care experience or who are estranged.

The Quality Mark has been renewed for another three years. The framework covers the student lifecycle, from outreach through to graduation and beyond, institutional culture and leadership, and commitment to continuous improvement and future plans.

Melissa Jacobi, Head of Access And Student Success and Development at The University of Manchester, said:  “The NNECL renewal process was a fantastic way for us to capture, evidence and reflect on the many ways in which our University community cares and supports our diverse student body, and our many students who are navigating their university experience without family support, be they care experienced or estranged. 

“This recognition is a reflection of how colleagues work tirelessly across The University of Manchester with genuine care and compassion for the individuals we are supporting, to provide help and ensure our processes enable students to make the most out of their time at Manchester.”

University of Sanctuary status has also been reaccredited, with the panel commenting on the ‘breadth of the opportunities, community collaboration, and the various pathways that facilitate access to sanctuary seekers’ at The University of Manchester. A sanctuary seeker is an individual seeking refuge or protection, such as from war, violence or persecution.

Support ranges from financial aid, such as scholarships and tuition fee concessions, library study support and volunteering opportunities to help build transferrable skills. Awareness sessions are also run through the University’s partnership with Manchester City of Sanctuary for staff and students, while activities are held in schools and the local community during Refugee Week.

Julian Skyrme, Executive Director of Social Responsibility and Civic Engagement at the University, who also chairs the University of Sanctuary Steering Group, reflected: “Having our status as a University of Sanctuary reaccredited for another three years is a reflection of our commitment to supporting those seeking sanctuary in our city region, in our student body and, through the broad research and humanitarian work our colleagues undertake, to those who have been forcibly displaced in the UK and overseas.

“Our resubmission identified hours of student volunteering hours with communities seeking sanctuary in Manchester, our scholarships and bursaries for those for whom funding for education is out of reach, and the power of the research community at Manchester. We thank the City of Sanctuary UK team for the renewal of this status – and look forward to further developing this work in the next award period.”

Student, Mahmoud Elhaddadin, said:  “One of my life goals is to become a Chartered Engineer, and earning a degree is an essential step toward achieving that. Without the Article 26 scholarship, it would have been impossible for me to attend university, as it supported me financially with both tuition fees and living costs. This opportunity has allowed me to pursue my education and move closer to my long-term career aspirations. The Article 26 scholarship gave me financial security, freeing me from the constant worry of how to cover my tuition fees and daily living costs. Just as importantly, it connected me with wonderful people and provided invaluable support, opportunities, and guidance. Together, these made a real difference in my journey, both academically and personally.”

• To find out more about the support offered for care experience and estranged students at The University of Manchester, email wecare@manchester.ac.uk