Only 23% of care leavers aged 16-18 achieved five or more GCSEs at grades A*-C
Date published:
New official statistics published today by NISRA statisticians in the Department of Health published a statistical bulletin summarising information on care leavers aged 16-18 in Northern Ireland and care leavers whose 19th birthday occurred during the year ending 31 March 2025.
Key findings
There were 467 care leavers aged 16 to 18 in 2024/25.
- More than half (57%) of care leavers aged 16-18 had GCSEs or other qualifications. The proportion of care leavers who had 5 GCSEs (A*-C) or higher at the time of leaving care was 23%.
- Care leavers continue to have a higher proportion of young people with a Statement of Educational Need (19%) compared with the school leaver population (6%).
- Of the care leavers aged 16-18 in 2024/25, for whom information was available, 75% were in full time or part time education, training or employment. Some 15% were unemployed and 10% were economically inactive because of caring responsibilities or illness/disabilities.
There were 285 care leavers aged 19 in 2024/25
- For those whose information was available, some 92% of care leavers aged 19 were in contact with Health and Social Care Trusts; with 44% in contact at least once a month.
- Almost two-thirds (64%) received some form of ongoing support from social services, including support for higher education and accommodation.
- Of the care leavers for whom information was available, 71% were in education, training or employment – an increase from the previous year.
- In terms of becoming a parent, 6% of all care leavers aged 19 were parents, 12 young women and young men, for whom this information was available.
About this publication
This annual publication presents information on those aged 16–18 who left care during the previous financial year including educational achievement, economic activity and placement prior to leaving care.
The circumstances of those who have left care at the time of their nineteenth birthday is also reported including the frequency of contact with social services, economic activity and current accommodation.
Further information
The publication is available on the Department of Health website: Northern Ireland care leavers 2024/25