ABSTRACT
This chapter presents evidence to argue that urgent action is needed to improve young homeless people’s access to, and experience of, education. Young people’s journeys towards homelessness, and their actual experience of homelessness, can be traumatic. These events can exacerbate barriers that make it harder for young people to access, benefit from, or be supported within, the education system. The chapter explores the emotional and practical impacts of homelessness on young people’s education, as well as how young people’s experiences of the welfare system, low academic attainment and education interact. Young people’s stories show that being homeless can create practical and logistical issues for accessing education. Teachers and education professionals see young people regularly and are uniquely well-placed to identify those who may be experiencing homelessness. Policymakers should reform welfare policies by ensuring that all young homeless people can retain Universal Credit if they enter full-time Higher or Further Education and choose to remain in supported housing.
