Refugee Education UK (for Unicef UK) · 2020
This report examines the barriers and enablers refugee and asylum-seeking young people face when transitioning to further and higher education in the UK. Drawing on focus groups, interviews, and analysis of casework data from over 500 young people and practitioners, it finds that immigration status, age, poor mental health, poverty, and insufficient information and guidance are the most significant obstacles. Holistic, long-term support from individuals and institutions — including voluntary sector workers, schools, colleges, and universities — is shown to be critical in enabling progression. The report makes recommendations for government, education institutions, and the voluntary and private sectors.