Inspiring students share their stories as Oxford Brookes celebrates Quality Mark renewal

Oxford Brookes University has once again been recognised for its commitment to supporting care experienced and estranged students, with the re-approval of the National Network for the Education of Care Leavers (NNECL) Quality Mark.

NNECL Quality Mark is an accreditation awarded to educational institutions that demonstrate effective support for students who have been in care or are estranged from their families throughout their academic journey. Oxford Brookes first received the award in 2019, joining a select group of institutions recognised for their commitment in this area. 

To mark this achievement, two current students who have benefitted from the University’s initiatives are sharing their experiences, offering insight into how tailored support has impacted their academic and personal success.

Grace Mpeso

Grace, 19, from Bristol, is a second-year Adult Nursing student. Between the ages of 12 and 18, she lived in four different foster care placements across three UK towns with her siblings.

Reflecting on her pre-university experience, Grace recalls: “I was constantly moving around and went to three different secondary schools. The transition to each was always a struggle. Getting used to a new environment, household dynamics, and foster carers who were not of the same race and culture as me, was challenging. Trying to make new friends whilst at the same time missing my old ones was even harder for me. 

“On reflection, I did find it difficult to focus on my education because I was struggling to adjust to so many new changes. At times, I felt like I wasn't as smart as everyone else because no one else was getting one-on-one support like me. I did see it as a negative thing. But on reflection, this support was ultimately what helped me reach my goal of going to university. I did have doubts about whether I was smart enough to make it to university, and whether I would be able to make new friends, all whilst navigating a whole range of new responsibilities you automatically must adopt when living independently.”

After starting her degree at Oxford Brookes in 2023, Grace said that feeling recognised and valued as a care-experienced student helped her feel welcomed at the University.

Grace said: “In my first year, I attended a lunch event organised by the student welfare support team, where I met other students like me. This helped me feel like I wasn't the only one, and I was able to be in a space where I can relate to others who have similar experiences to me. The student welfare support team is easy to reach out to and I have been able to get support from them when I have needed help.

“Recognising that care experienced students need more support than other students has made me feel seen and cared for, allowing for a welcoming environment. This has made the transition to university feel less daunting and more straightforward.”

As for the future, Grace hopes to finish her Adult Nursing degree at Oxford Brookes, start working as a nurse, and then travel the world to help others, before completing a masters degree in nursing. 

Grace added: “Being in university has shown me that the world is my oyster and that I can achieve anything if I put my mind to it. I would say to young people considering higher education to go for it if it's definitely something you want for yourself. Also, do not let other people's perceptions of who you are or where you come from distract you from the path you envision for yourself. 

“Most importantly, remember to have fun and enjoy the journey of navigating life in higher education because you never know where you will end up.”

Lucy Lanfear 

Lucy, 23, from Alton in Staffordshire, is a first-year Zoology student. She entered the care system at the age of 16.

Reflecting on her experience, Lucy said: “Moving around a lot meant that shaping an education for myself was hard, and I feared that I would not be able to go to university. In my last and final home, I managed to commute to an education centre, meaning I could start my journey to have the grades for university, making my dreams possible.

“The support from the University has been amazing. The bursaries that I have received have been extremely helpful for living expenses and makes me feel like I have good financial security. The guaranteed accommodation that I get is a very good thing to have as it means that I don't have to worry about somewhere to live next year, which takes a lot of pressure off.”

Alongside achieving her dream of attending university, Lucy says that making a new group of friends has been just as rewarding.

She said: "Being recognised as a care-experienced student and receiving that support has made a huge difference. It’s reassuring to know there’s no judgment on your background, and help is always there when I need it. There’s always a dedicated team ready to support me with anything, which feels really secure. One of my biggest achievements in my first year at university has been meeting an amazing and supportive group of friends. It’s been a great social experience, going out and having fun together. The tutors have also been incredibly supportive, especially during tough times. They’ve been understanding and always there to help."

After completing her degree, animal-lover Lucy hopes to specialise in working with carnivorous animals, particularly big cats, wolves, or coyotes. She is also considering further study, including a master’s degree or PhD, to deepen her expertise.

“The message that I would give to other care experienced young people who are considering higher education is that if you have had a dream job in mind for a long time, keep it, hold on to it, and work for it. Even if the journey to get to that job is hard, it's worth working for. 

“Just because you are a care experienced student does not mean that you cannot reach your goals. There is so much support out there for people like us. Be strong, work hard, and you will achieve. The road is never easy, but what tests us on our adventure to success is never an easy road.”

Oxford Brookes’ commitment to a supportive environment

Helen Hall, Director of UK Recruitment and Admissions at Oxford Brookes University, said: “Re-approval for the NNECL Quality Mark is a significant milestone for Oxford Brookes, reflecting our ongoing commitment to creating a welcoming and supportive environment for care experienced students. We understand the barriers that many of these students face, and we are dedicated to ensuring they have access to the resources and encouragement needed to succeed.

“Grace and Lucy’s stories are a testament to the resilience and ambition of care experienced students. Their achievements highlight the importance of the tailored support we provide, and we are so pleased to have them as part of our Oxford Brookes community. We look forward to seeing them continue to excel and inspire others along the way.”

Denise Rawls, Executive Director at NNECL, said: “Care leavers are significantly underrepresented in higher education because of challenges beyond their control. This is why NNECL are dedicated to building inclusive spaces where our young people can thrive in careers that will sustain them for life. Oxford Brookes University has been duly re-awarded our Quality Mark due to their bold and proactive commitment to breaking down barriers to educational opportunity and for building a society supporting the aspiration of every young person, regardless of their background.”