YOUNG people leaving care in North Yorkshire are significantly more likely to take on places at university or training than in other areas.

North Yorkshire County Council’s support for young people who have lived within the care system has led to the county accounting for around ten per cent of the population of young people in England who remain in care beyond the age of 18.

The number of young people who go on to university is double the national average for authorities.

North Yorkshire was involved as a pilot authority in a three-year Government scheme called Staying Put, which offered young people the opportunity to remain with their carers until they reach 21.

The pilot came to an end in 2011, but North Yorkshire has continued with the scheme which has provided greater stability for care leavers and made university more achievable.

The county council also has a specialist within the Education of Looked After Children team, who is developing strong links with local universities - finding out what they offer to care leavers and developing open days and workshops for young people.

Howard Smith, North Yorkshire’s manager for the leaving care team said: “Enabling young people to stay with their foster families beyond the age of 18 provides continuity and stability at a time when they are often still in education and training.

“I have a wonderfully committed leaving care team that makes a huge effort to ensure that young people are given the support they need to make that very difficult transition to independence.

“It is also a tribute to our foster carers that they want to carry on looking after those young people so they have the chance to achieve to the best of their ability and go on to acquire the qualifications and skills that will help towards a fulfilling future.”

The county council also offers a package of financial assistance to care leavers who are going to university, and has developed a corporate mentoring scheme.

County councillor Tony Hall said: “It is a priority for the county council to support our most vulnerable young people and we are very proud that we continue to support our care leavers beyond the age of 18 so they have a much better chance to go on and make a success of their lives.”