Education of young people in care: What have we learned?

The low educational attainment of children in care is of widespread international concern. This paper reconsiders major UK research on this topic. It also highlights research gaps and what are felt to be theoretical limitations. The paper argues that we need to take account of wider educational research on the ‘attainment gap’ and apply these messages to our understanding, organisation and operation of the care system. Previous research has failed to acknowledge sufficiently the socio-economic background and context of the problem. A wide range of UK policy initiatives have been introduced and we await to see how these can ameliorate the problem in the context of these broader influences.