Young Carers Award

Swanshurst School has won a prestigious award for its work supporting young carers with their education.

The school was presented with the Young Carers in Schools award on 28 March 2025. Young carers are children under 18 who are responsible for the care of a family member with who, due to illness, disability, mental health condition or addiction, can’t cope without their support.

The award is part of the Young Carers in School programme run by charities The Children’s Society and Carers Trust. The programme provides primary and secondary schools across England with step-by-step guidance for teachers, leaders and non-teaching staff to gain the practical tools they need to help young carers.

Swanshurst won the award by demonstrating how it supports young carers. This includes running homework clubs and drop-in sessions with a member of staff responsible for this vulnerable group of pupils.

Vicky Morgan, Carers Trust’s Head of Young Carers at Young Adult Carers, said:

“We’re delighted to present the Young Carers in Schools award to Swanshurst School. Figures show there are two young carers in every classroom but balancing learning with looking after family members can be tough without help. By identifying young carers and putting support in place, schools and teachers can make a huge difference to their wellbeing and education. That’s why the brilliant work done by staff at Swanshurst School is so vital and why this award is so richly deserved.”

More information on young carers and the support offered at Swanshurst can be found in our dedicated Safeguarding > Young Carers at Swanshurst section of the school website.