GCU champions care-experienced and estranged students during Care Experienced Week 2025

Glasgow Caledonian University (GCU) proudly marks Care Experienced Week 2025, recognising and celebrating the achievements and resilience of care-experienced and estranged students across Scotland.

As part of its strong commitment to widening participation and social justice, GCU takes seriously its role as a Corporate Parent under the Children and Young People (Scotland) Act 2014, ensuring that every student has access to the care, support and opportunities they need to thrive.

With more than 800 care-experienced and estranged students currently studying at GCU, the University continues to lead in providing a welcoming, inclusive environment for learners from all backgrounds.

Through its Widening Participation and Outreach team, GCU builds strong partnerships with local authorities, social work and throughcare services, and national organisations such as MCR Pathways and Who Cares? Scotland.

These collaborations support early engagement, transition planning and ongoing guidance for students entering higher education − helping to break down barriers and ensure every learner has the opportunity to succeed. This includes pre-entry support such as application guidance, the Care Connect Transition Programme, and personalised handovers with social work. Maintaining a consistent named contact from pre-entry through to university transition provides care-experienced and estranged students with a trusted, stable point of support, helping to foster confidence and belonging within the GCU community.

Dr Emily Flaherty, Widening Participation and Outreach Manager, and Named Contact for Corporate Parenting, said: “Corporate parenting is about more than meeting a legal duty − it’s about creating a culture of care, where every student feels supported, valued and empowered to reach their full potential.”

One student shared: “Emily and the Widening Participation and Outreach Team provide invaluable support to help you navigate through personal and academic struggles before you get to GCU and throughout university. They strive to ensure the happiness and success of every student, through genuine care and trust.”

By working closely with external partners, GCU continues to champion inclusion and create transformative opportunities in higher education − staying true to its mission as the University for the Common Good.