Young Carers in UK Fall Behind by End of Primary School: New University Study Exposes Deepening Attainment Gaps

The Groundbreaking New Study on Young Carers' Educational Disadvantages

A pioneering research publication from leading UK universities has shed light on a critical issue affecting thousands of children across England. Titled 'Young carers and inequalities in educational attainment and school engagement,' the study, published in the International Journal of Educational Research in early 2026, analyzes data from the Understanding Society UK Household Longitudinal Study linked to the Department for Education's National Pupil Database. Conducted by researchers from Anglia Ruskin University, City St George's, University of London, and University College London (UCL), it provides the first national-scale evidence combining self-reported caring responsibilities with official education records from 2009 to 2018.

This collaborative effort highlights how young carers—children and young people providing unpaid care to family members with illnesses, disabilities, mental health issues, or addictions—face significant barriers from an early age. The findings underscore the need for targeted interventions to prevent long-term educational fallout, including reduced access to higher education pathways.

Key Findings at Key Stage 2: Falling Behind by the End of Primary School

At Key Stage 2 (KS2), the end of primary school when children are typically 11 years old, young carers are 35% less likely to achieve the expected standards in reading, writing, and mathematics compared to their non-caring peers. Within the study's cohort, 12.8% of KS2 pupils were identified as young carers. These children not only underperform academically but also exhibit higher absence rates: an average of 7.5 missed school days per year versus 6.1 for others, with persistent absence (missing 10% or more of sessions) affecting 5.8% compared to 3.7%.

Crucially, these disparities persist even after adjusting for confounding factors such as family income, eligibility for free school meals, special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), and neighborhood deprivation. This suggests that caring responsibilities impose a unique 'educational penalty' independent of socioeconomic background.

Attendance Challenges: The Root of Academic Gaps

School attendance emerges as a primary driver of underachievement for young carers. The 2026 study reveals elevated absence levels that compound over time, disrupting learning continuity. Broader data from Carers Trust indicates young carers miss an average of 23 school days annually, with persistent absence rates twice that of peers at 39%.

• Higher rates of authorized and unauthorized absences due to caring duties, emergencies, or exhaustion.
• 27% persistent absence in local studies like MYTIME's Dorset primary schools analysis (versus 12% for non-carers).
• Links to mental health strains, low confidence, and isolation, exacerbating disengagement.

Without interventions, these patterns hinder foundational skills development, setting a trajectory of disadvantage.

Disparities Extend to Secondary School and GCSEs

The gaps widen by Key Stage 4 (KS4), when pupils take GCSE exams at age 16. Young carers, comprising 10.6% of the cohort, secure 13% fewer GCSE passes overall and 60% fewer A* or A grades. They are 57% less likely to achieve at least one strong grade and miss 13.5 school days yearly (versus 10.4), with 24.5% persistently absent.

Earlier research from City St George's University corroborates this: young carers average two fewer 'good' GCSEs (A*-C), with 51% achieving none compared to 36% of peers. This trajectory threatens future opportunities, including university entry.

Who Are Young Carers? Prevalence and Demographics in the UK

Estimates suggest 800,000 to 1 million young carers aged 5-17 in the UK, though official figures are lower due to under-identification. The 2023-24 school census recorded 54,000, but 72% of schools reported none, indicating many remain hidden. They often live in single-parent, low-income households (44% eligible for free school meals vs. 17% peers) and 32% have SEND (vs. 18%).

Caring tasks include administering medication, cooking, cleaning, emotional support, and managing finances—responsibilities starting as young as five.

University Researchers Spotlight: Driving Evidence-Based Change

Dr. Alejandra Letelier from Anglia Ruskin University's School of Allied Health and Social Care emphasizes: "Too many children are trying to learn with one hand tied behind their back... Schools and services need to identify young carers early." Building on Dr. Becca Lacey's 2025 work at City St George's, this multi-university collaboration advances understanding.

Such research positions UK universities as leaders in addressing educational equity. For academics in education and social policy, explore research jobs in higher education to contribute to similar impactful studies.

Reasons Behind the Attainment Gap: Beyond Poverty

While socioeconomic factors contribute, they don't fully explain disparities. Young carers juggle homework with chores, arrive tired, and prioritize family over extracurriculars. MYTIME's study shows only 51% meet reading expectations (vs. 70%), 39% writing (vs. 63%), and 49% maths (vs. 73%).

• Emotional burden and fatigue reducing concentration.
• Lack of identification: schools miss 90% in some areas.
• Stigma preventing disclosure.

Building on Prior Research: From 2025 Reports to 2026 Insights

The 2025 'Caring and Classes' report by Carers Trust documented KS2 gaps up to 43% in some authorities. Young Carers in Schools evaluation showed 51% not meeting KS2 standards (vs. 39%). These align with the new study's national scope, reinforcing urgency post-school census inclusion in 2023.

Effective Support Programs in Schools and Beyond

Initiatives like Young Carers in Schools (Carers Trust and Children's Society) help identify four times more carers, with 500+ schools awarded. Recommendations include:

• Young Carer Leads in every school.
• Flexible homework, assessment adjustments.
• Whole-family assessments under Children and Families Act 2014.

Universities offer outreach: UCL, Edinburgh, and St Andrews provide application support and bursaries for young adult carers.

Implications for Higher Education Access and Long-Term Outcomes

Early gaps cascade: young carers are 38% less likely to attend university. UCAS data shows declining carer applicants (20% drop in 2024). UK universities must enhance supports like named contacts and financial aid to widen participation.

For aspiring educators, higher ed career advice on equity-focused roles can help bridge these divides.

Photo by You Le on Unsplash

Policy Recommendations and Future Outlook

Researchers urge recognizing young carers as a vulnerable group, with coordinated school-social care-health services. Government should mandate identification, fund training, and extend Pupil Premium eligibility.

Optimistically, improved data from school censuses and programs like Young Carers in Schools signal progress. With proactive support, young carers can thrive academically and access higher ed jobs and opportunities. Explore Rate My Professor for insights into supportive educators, or visit higher ed career advice for pathways forward.