Student services: Care leavers

Selection of dyes and paints from the Textiles workshops

At HCA, we pro-actively welcome applications from students who are Care Leavers and offer comprehensive support to help you reach your full potential.

Care Leaver support


At HCA, we aim to do all that we can to help you in your creative journey, to make sure that you thrive and enjoy your time at HCA and ultimately achieve your full potential. 

We offer dedicated support for Care Leavers. If you are a Care Leaver your key contact is our Wellbeing Development Lead, Melissa Williams. If you have any questions about HCA, or the support we provide, please get in touch. 

Who is eligible for Care Leaver support?


We define ‘Care Leaver’ as someone who has been in care for at least 13 weeks since the age of 14 and fulfils any of the following criteria:   

  • Are still being looked after.
  • Have been looked after sometime after their 16th birthday and who have now left care  under the age of 25.
  • Are in the care of the local authority.
  • Have been in the care of a local authority within 3 years prior to commencing their course.
  • Have left the care system, but are still receiving support from their local authority, or an organisation such as Barnardos .

If you fulfil these criteria and can provide proof (usually in the form of a letter from your local authority), then you are eligible for Care Leavers Support at HCA. 

If you are applying by UCAS, we encourage you to tell us you are a Care Leaver on your UCAS form.

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