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On 1st July 2025, the Group received the Young Carers in Schools Award for the initiatives it runs across both Southport College and King George V Sixth Form College. The award acknowledges the proactive steps taken by the Group to ensure young carers are not left behind in their studies.
Who are young carers and what is the Young Carers in Schools Award?
Young carers are children and young people under the age of 18 who provide care for a family member who, due to illness, disability, a mental health condition or an addiction, cannot cope without their support. The award is part of the Young Carers in School programme run by charities The Children’s Society and Carers Trust. The programme provides primary and secondary schools across England with step-by-step guidance for teachers, leaders and non-teaching staff to gain the practical tools they need to help young carers.
Southport Education Group earned the award by demonstrating a range of supportive measures. These include regular homework clubs, drop-in support sessions led by a designated staff member for young carers, and tailored pastoral care plans to ensure each student receives the support they need.
Michelle Brabner, Principal CEO of Southport Education Group, said:
“We are incredibly proud to receive this award. Our young carers demonstrate immense resilience and maturity every day, and it’s our responsibility to ensure they have the same opportunities as their peers. This recognition is a testament to the dedication of our staff and the strength of our students."
Research by Carers Trust shows 40% of young carers say they don’t get enough support to balance education and caring. Separate research by The Children’s Society shows young carers get an average of one grade lower in GCSE subjects than their peers and they often also have lower levels of self-confidence and mental wellbeing. Statutory guidance makes clear that all school staff should be particularly alert to the potential need for early help for young carers. The Young Carers in School programme is a way of helping schools address this.
Vicky Morgan, Carers Trust’s Head of Young Carers at Young Adult Carers, said:
“We’re delighted to present the Young Carers in Schools award to Southport Education Group. Figures show there are two young carers in every classroom but balancing learning with looking after family members can be tough without help. By identifying young carers and putting support in place, schools and teachers can make a huge difference to their wellbeing and education. That’s why the brilliant work done by staff at the Group is so vital and why this award is so richly deserved.”
Lisa Witherden, Head of National Programmes at The Children’s Society said: "Recent figures from the school census highlight that nearly 80% of schools reported they had zero young carers in their pupil population. We know this simply isn't true and that young carers are a hidden group of children and young people who need support to achieve the same level of success as their peers at school. We're absolutely thrilled that {insert school name} has achieved the Young Carers in Schools award, demonstrating their commitment to identifying these hidden children and young people and ensuring they get the vital support they need to thrive in education and in life beyond school."
The Young Carers in School programme is open to all schools in England. To sign up, visit www.youngcarersinschools.com
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