There are approximately one million young carers aged 17 or under in the UK, with an additional 600,000 young adult carers aged 18 to 25. These young individuals often take on significant responsibilities in caring for family members, which can have profound effects on their mental health and future opportunities. The emotional and physical demands of caregiving leave many young carers feeling overwhelmed. They frequently report missing out on key aspects of their childhood, such as social activities, leisure time, and personal development. Additionally, their education is often disrupted, leading to long-term consequences for their academic and professional futures.

Young carers face significant educational challenges compared to their peers without caregiving responsibilities. These challenges are evident across all stages of education, starting as early as primary school. At the primary school level, fewer than half (49%) of young carers meet the expected standard in reading, writing, and maths, compared to 61% of non-young carers. This reflects a 12% attainment gap, highlighting the early disadvantage faced by young carers. At key stage two, young carers are half as likely as their peers to meet the high standard in the three core areas of reading, writing, and maths. This disparity underscores the long-term impact of caregiving responsibilities on academic performance.

By the time young carers reach secondary school, the attainment gap persists. Only 45% of young carers leave secondary school with five GCSE passes, including English and Maths, compared to 65% of their non-carer peers. This represents a significant 20% gap in achievement. Overall, young carers are 25% less likely to achieve key academic milestones than their peers without caregiving responsibilities. These statistics highlight the systemic barriers faced by young carers in accessing and succeeding in education.

The Schools Carers Charter aims to address the challenges faced by young carers by encouraging schools to take proactive steps in identifying and supporting these students. By signing the charter, schools commit to actively identifying hidden young carers within their settings. This involves creating an environment where young carers feel safe to disclose their responsibilities and seek support.

Schools that sign the charter will receive training and guidance from organisations such as Carers Plus Yorkshire. This training equips staff with the knowledge and skills needed to provide tailored support to young carers, ensuring their unique needs are met. Signing the charter demonstrates a school’s commitment to recognising and valuing young carers. It also highlights the school’s dedication to improving the well-being and educational outcomes of these students, helping them to balance their caregiving responsibilities with their academic and personal development. Additionally, adopting the charter enhances a school’s reputation by showcasing its commitment to social responsibility and inclusivity. This can foster a positive school culture and strengthen relationships with the wider community.