The government is determined to address the national tragedy of early deaths of care experienced young people, improving support for care leavers.

The department is funding local authorities so care leavers can stay with their foster families up to age 21 through Staying Put. We are rolling out an enhanced Staying Close programme nationally by 2029, improving care leavers’ housing outcomes and supporting enduring relationships, including for those with additional needs. Local authorities must make an assessment when a young person is likely to need care and support into adulthood, drawing on a young person or carer’s aspirations and setting out support to achieve them.

The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) has also launched a project to improve transitions into adult social care. The DHSC will deliver national best practice guidance and training, to ensure staff have the knowledge and tools they need to provide high-quality support to young people transitioning into adulthood.

The department does not hold data on the number of care leavers who had an assessed need for personal care by their 18th birthday.

The government is determined to address the national tragedy of early deaths of care experienced young people, improving support for care leavers.

The department is funding local authorities so care leavers can stay with their foster families up to age 21 through Staying Put. We are rolling out an enhanced Staying Close programme nationally by 2029, improving care leavers’ housing outcomes and supporting enduring relationships, including for those with additional needs. Local authorities must make an assessment when a young person is likely to need care and support into adulthood, drawing on a young person or carer’s aspirations and setting out support to achieve them.

The Department of Health and Social Care (DHSC) has also launched a project to improve transitions into adult social care. The DHSC will deliver national best practice guidance and training, to ensure staff have the knowledge and tools they need to provide high-quality support to young people transitioning into adulthood.

The department does not hold data on the number of care leavers who had an assessed need for personal care by their 18th birthday.

The Care Standards Act 2000 sets out that children’s homes must be wholly or mainly for children. This means that most of the people who live or stay at a children’s home must be children and young adults aged 18 and above who live or stay at the home must be in the minority. This allows some flexibility for those aged 18 and above to stay in children’s homes while an appropriate adult placement is found to support effective transitions to adulthood.

Information on the number of young people who have remained in a children’s home beyond the age of 18 is not held by either the department or by Ofsted.

The department has committed to permanently removing Reinforced Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (RAAC) from schools and colleges. By 2029, every school and college in England that is not being substantially rebuilt will be RAAC-free, and every school with RAAC needing to be rebuilt through the School Rebuilding Programme (SRP) will be in delivery.

There are seven schools with confirmed RAAC in Witham constituency. RAAC is being permanently removed from six schools through the SRP. Of these, three schools are already in delivery and three schools will shortly enter delivery. For one school, work to remove RAAC is being managed by the local authority, Essex County Council, with grant funding provided by the department.

SRP projects take on average between 2 to 5 years to complete. We will assess the individual timelines at each school once delivery begins.

The School Rebuilding Programme (SRP) carries out major rebuilding and refurbishment projects at schools and sixth form college buildings across England. Schools and sixth-form colleges in the worst condition are prioritised in areas where places are needed now and in the future.

The department may include cases where severe and urgent need for rebuilding is identified outside the main prioritisation rounds. This was the case for Churchill Community College. Decisions on individual schools are taken on their own merits and do not determine the outcome for other schools.

Berwick Academy has been nominated for the current round of the SRP and will be considered alongside other eligible schools as part of the national prioritisation process. The department has been clear that that the route for funding investment in rebuilding is through the SRP and the school will need to be assessed through that process. We have no plans to provide separate rebuilding funding outside of that process. Decisions on the additional 250 schools due to join the SRP are expected by early 2027.

The department is aware of concerns regarding the condition of Berwick Academy's buildings. While the department does not hold a recent assessment of the full cost of addressing all condition issues at the school, information provided locally has informed discussions regarding its future capital needs and its nomination to the SRP.

The School Rebuilding Programme (SRP) carries out major rebuilding and refurbishment projects at schools and sixth form college buildings across England. Schools and sixth-form colleges in the worst condition are prioritised in areas where places are needed now and in the future.

The department may include cases where severe and urgent need for rebuilding is identified outside the main prioritisation rounds. This was the case for Churchill Community College. Decisions on individual schools are taken on their own merits and do not determine the outcome for other schools.

Berwick Academy has been nominated for the current round of the SRP and will be considered alongside other eligible schools as part of the national prioritisation process. The department has been clear that that the route for funding investment in rebuilding is through the SRP and the school will need to be assessed through that process. We have no plans to provide separate rebuilding funding outside of that process. Decisions on the additional 250 schools due to join the SRP are expected by early 2027.

The department is aware of concerns regarding the condition of Berwick Academy's buildings. While the department does not hold a recent assessment of the full cost of addressing all condition issues at the school, information provided locally has informed discussions regarding its future capital needs and its nomination to the SRP.

The School Rebuilding Programme (SRP) carries out major rebuilding and refurbishment projects at schools and sixth form college buildings across England. Schools and sixth-form colleges in the worst condition are prioritised in areas where places are needed now and in the future.

The department may include cases where severe and urgent need for rebuilding is identified outside the main prioritisation rounds. This was the case for Churchill Community College. Decisions on individual schools are taken on their own merits and do not determine the outcome for other schools.

Berwick Academy has been nominated for the current round of the SRP and will be considered alongside other eligible schools as part of the national prioritisation process. The department has been clear that that the route for funding investment in rebuilding is through the SRP and the school will need to be assessed through that process. We have no plans to provide separate rebuilding funding outside of that process. Decisions on the additional 250 schools due to join the SRP are expected by early 2027.

The department is aware of concerns regarding the condition of Berwick Academy's buildings. While the department does not hold a recent assessment of the full cost of addressing all condition issues at the school, information provided locally has informed discussions regarding its future capital needs and its nomination to the SRP.

The department is funding the Youth Endowment Fund to build the evidence base on what works to prevent children and young people becoming involved in violence, including knife crime, and to make this evidence and practical resources available to schools. Schools can draw on this evidence-informed guidance, alongside resources such as the ‘Leading violence prevention in education: putting what works into action’ programme delivered in partnership with the department.

The government is committed to preventing children and young people from becoming involved in violence and knife crime. Through statutory relationships, sex and health education, secondary schools are expected to teach pupils about personal safety, the risks associated with weapons, gangs and exploitation, and the consequences of involvement in crime and violence.

Education has a vital role to play in preventing violence, and schools are best placed to determine how this content is delivered, taking account of the needs of their pupils and local circumstances, including through engagement with police, youth services and other local partners.

Fostering is a devolved matter, and the response outlines the information for England only.

The department recognises the impact that lengthy allegations investigations can have on foster carers and the children they care for. Through the proposed new Fostering Quality Standards, currently out for consultation, we are seeking to improve the allegations process to make it more proportionate and timely, while maintaining robust safeguards for children. The consultation will inform next steps on improving the allegations process for all foster carers, including those approved by independent fostering agencies.

We have launched an ambitious fostering reform programme that aims to create 10,000 additional foster placements by 2029. As part of this programme, our enhanced regional hub model is improving regional coordination and visibility of fostering capacity across local authority and non-profit independent fostering agency provision. This will help local authorities make better use of all available fostering provision when identifying the most appropriate placement for a child, while increasing fostering capacity across the sector so children can be matched with homes that best meet their needs.

Fostering is a devolved matter, and the response outlines the information for England only.

The department recognises the impact that lengthy allegations investigations can have on foster carers and the children they care for. Through the proposed new Fostering Quality Standards, currently out for consultation, we are seeking to improve the allegations process to make it more proportionate and timely, while maintaining robust safeguards for children. The consultation will inform next steps on improving the allegations process for all foster carers, including those approved by independent fostering agencies.

We have launched an ambitious fostering reform programme that aims to create 10,000 additional foster placements by 2029. As part of this programme, our enhanced regional hub model is improving regional coordination and visibility of fostering capacity across local authority and non-profit independent fostering agency provision. This will help local authorities make better use of all available fostering provision when identifying the most appropriate placement for a child, while increasing fostering capacity across the sector so children can be matched with homes that best meet their needs.

The government is committed to preventing young people from becoming involved in violence and knife crime. Through statutory relationships, sex and health education, secondary schools are required to teach pupils about personal safety, risk and the factors that can lead to harmful behaviours, including violence.

As part of the government's ‘Protecting Lives, Building Hope: A Plan to Halve Knife Crime’, the department announced the Safety in and Around Schools Partnership, a targeted support programme for around 250 schools in areas most affected by knife crime. The Partnership will strengthen children's sense of safety, increase schools' awareness of knife crime risks and effective violence prevention approaches, and improve access to local support services.

The department has also worked with the Youth Endowment Fund to deliver a series of webinars for school and college leaders, sharing evidence on effective approaches to preventing violence and improving safety in education settings.

Schools are also encouraged to work with police, youth services, violence reduction units and voluntary sector organisations to provide age-appropriate education and support that reflects local needs and helps young people understand the risks and consequences of knife crime.

The department has produced the following analysis regarding the impact of freezing the Plan 2 repayment and interest thresholds for three years starting April 2027:

If a borrower is earning above the repayment threshold and their income stays the same, their repayments will remain the same. If a borrower is not earning above the repayment threshold and their income remains the same, they will continue to not be required to make any repayments.

The department will release an equalities impact assessment, including the impact on lifetime repayments, alongside other borrower impacts for the Plan 2 repayment threshold and interest threshold freeze announced at the Autumn Budget. Published results may differ from those provided due to model and data updates.

In 2025, the Office of the Independent Adjudicator (OIA) resolved 3,950 student complaints. Of these, 2% were found to be ‘justified’ and 5% were found to be ‘partly justified’. A further 13% were settled in favour of the student before a formal decision was reached. Following OIA recommendations, higher education providers offered £875,933 in compensation and £962,979 through settlement agreements reached before a final OIA decision. The OIA does not publish an average compensation figure because not all complaints require financial remedy. Many are resolved through reconsideration of decisions, repeat assessment opportunities, apologies or procedural improvements.

In 2025, 43% of complaints were found to be ‘not justified’ because the provider had followed procedures and reached a reasonable decision, 7% were ‘not justified (reasonable offer made)’ where the provider had already offered a fair remedy, and 20% were ‘not eligible’ because they fell outside the OIA’s remit. The OIA reports that ‘not justified’ outcomes are particularly common in academic appeals and disciplinary cases where providers generally have well-established processes and standards in place.

The OIA is responsible for meeting its own equality duties. It publishes information on the characteristics of students who bring complaints and use this data to monitor accessibility and outcomes. In 2025, 42% of students who complained disclosed a disability. The OIA reports that complaints involving reasonable adjustments to accommodate a disability were more likely than average to be upheld or settled.

The 2025 OIA Annual Report can be found here: https://www.oiahe.org.uk/media/xfljp10u/oia-annual-report-2025.pdf.

In 2025, the Office of the Independent Adjudicator (OIA) resolved 3,950 student complaints. Of these, 2% were found to be ‘justified’ and 5% were found to be ‘partly justified’. A further 13% were settled in favour of the student before a formal decision was reached. Following OIA recommendations, higher education providers offered £875,933 in compensation and £962,979 through settlement agreements reached before a final OIA decision. The OIA does not publish an average compensation figure because not all complaints require financial remedy. Many are resolved through reconsideration of decisions, repeat assessment opportunities, apologies or procedural improvements.

In 2025, 43% of complaints were found to be ‘not justified’ because the provider had followed procedures and reached a reasonable decision, 7% were ‘not justified (reasonable offer made)’ where the provider had already offered a fair remedy, and 20% were ‘not eligible’ because they fell outside the OIA’s remit. The OIA reports that ‘not justified’ outcomes are particularly common in academic appeals and disciplinary cases where providers generally have well-established processes and standards in place.

The OIA is responsible for meeting its own equality duties. It publishes information on the characteristics of students who bring complaints and use this data to monitor accessibility and outcomes. In 2025, 42% of students who complained disclosed a disability. The OIA reports that complaints involving reasonable adjustments to accommodate a disability were more likely than average to be upheld or settled.

The 2025 OIA Annual Report can be found here: https://www.oiahe.org.uk/media/xfljp10u/oia-annual-report-2025.pdf.

Education is a devolved matter. As such, the Scottish Government is responsible for higher education (HE) policy in Scotland

The independent regulator of the English HE sector, the Office for Students (OfS), is responsible for monitoring the sector’s financial position. We work closely with the OfS to understand emerging issues and risks within the sector. As HE providers in England are independent of government, they are responsible for managing their own finances. All providers must continue to adapt their business models as necessary to safeguard their long-term financial sustainability.

Our world class HE sector rightly attracts students from across the globe, who positively impact our HE sector, economy, and society as a whole and become global ambassadors for the UK.

The UK government’s International Education Champion, Sir Steve Smith, is a member of the Scottish government’s International Education Strategy Governance Group and there are regular engagements between officials of both governments on matters pertaining to international students.

Education is a devolved matter. As such, the Scottish Government is responsible for higher education (HE) policy in Scotland

The independent regulator of the English HE sector, the Office for Students (OfS), is responsible for monitoring the sector’s financial position. We work closely with the OfS to understand emerging issues and risks within the sector. As HE providers in England are independent of government, they are responsible for managing their own finances. All providers must continue to adapt their business models as necessary to safeguard their long-term financial sustainability.

Our world class HE sector rightly attracts students from across the globe, who positively impact our HE sector, economy, and society as a whole and become global ambassadors for the UK.

The UK government’s International Education Champion, Sir Steve Smith, is a member of the Scottish government’s International Education Strategy Governance Group and there are regular engagements between officials of both governments on matters pertaining to international students.

Education is a devolved matter. As such, the Scottish Government is responsible for higher education (HE) policy in Scotland

The independent regulator of the English HE sector, the Office for Students (OfS), is responsible for monitoring the sector’s financial position. We work closely with the OfS to understand emerging issues and risks within the sector. As HE providers in England are independent of government, they are responsible for managing their own finances. All providers must continue to adapt their business models as necessary to safeguard their long-term financial sustainability.

Our world class HE sector rightly attracts students from across the globe, who positively impact our HE sector, economy, and society as a whole and become global ambassadors for the UK.

The UK government’s International Education Champion, Sir Steve Smith, is a member of the Scottish government’s International Education Strategy Governance Group and there are regular engagements between officials of both governments on matters pertaining to international students.

Education is a devolved matter. As such, the Scottish Government is responsible for higher education (HE) policy in Scotland

The independent regulator of the English HE sector, the Office for Students (OfS), is responsible for monitoring the sector’s financial position. We work closely with the OfS to understand emerging issues and risks within the sector. As HE providers in England are independent of government, they are responsible for managing their own finances. All providers must continue to adapt their business models as necessary to safeguard their long-term financial sustainability.

Our world class HE sector rightly attracts students from across the globe, who positively impact our HE sector, economy, and society as a whole and become global ambassadors for the UK.

The UK government’s International Education Champion, Sir Steve Smith, is a member of the Scottish government’s International Education Strategy Governance Group and there are regular engagements between officials of both governments on matters pertaining to international students.

All student loan borrowers are required to make repayments towards their loan once they have passed their statutory repayment due date and are earning above the relevant repayment threshold. This includes UK and non-UK students, whether they reside within the UK or without.

Borrowers whose earnings are below the repayment threshold are not required to make repayments. This is a key protection for lower earning borrowers and an accepted part of the subsidy for student loans.

However, if a borrower is non-compliant, the Student Loans Company (SLC) will use the application of fraud detection and investigatory techniques. Where this fails, SLC work with a debt collection agency to target borrowers with arrears balances. Further action, including legal action, can also be taken to secure recovery.

UK applicants may choose to use relevant SALTO tools and resources to help support their Erasmus+ projects. The UK National Agency is not required to host an Erasmus+ SALTO Resource Centre in 2027.