Briefing: Young Carers in Education
The NHS describes a young carer as someone under the age of 18, who helps to look after a family member or relative with a disability, illness, mental health condition, or drug or alcohol problem. In September 2024, the Carers Trust published a report looking at the educational experience of young carers. This found:
- Higher rates of absence in the 2022/23 school year (23 days on average compared to 14 days for non-carers)
- Around half had experienced bullying in the last year
- Around a third were regularly late for school because of caring responsibilities
- Around a quarter reported “no support at all” in their education setting
- Fewer than half of teachers thought support in their schools was adequate
This short briefing from the House of Commons Library brings together findings from various pieces of research and sources of support to inform practitioners about the lived experience of young carers in education.
