First Minister visits the University to meet with care-experienced students
Published: 5 February 2025
John Swinney MSP met with the UofG Widening Participation Team to discuss the University’s support for care experienced students
Scotland’s First Minister, John Swinney MSP, visited the University of Glasgow today (Wed 5 February) to meet care-experienced students.
The First Minister sat with the students to discuss The Promise, Scotland’s commitment to care-experienced young people and children, and the support that the University of Glasgow provides.
Mr Swinney also met with Professor Sir Anton Muscatelli, Principal and Vice-Chancellor, and Dr Neil Croll, Head of Widening Participation, along with members of the Widening Participation Team at the University, Dr Dan Keenan and Amy McDermott.
First Minister John Swinney said: “It is now five years since Scotland made its Promise to children and young people with care experience, a landmark moment when we all committed to improving the support they receive and ensuring they have every opportunity to thrive. Progress is being made across the country, including in education, but as First Minister I know there is still much more to do if we are to keep The Promise by 2030.
“It was a privilege to get the opportunity to meet students with care experience studying here at the University of Glasgow. It’s so important for us to listen to their stories and hear about their hopes for the future, so we can understand what more can be done to help them achieve their goals in life.”
Dr Neil Croll said: "We were delighted to have the First Minister visit the University to hear about our widening participation provision and how we have implemented the Scottish Government's commitments to care-experienced learners.
"The University of Glasgow ensures that our care-experienced students have a specific point-of-contact from pre-entry, during the application and admissions process and throughout their study with us. I'm very proud of the work our team does with these talented learners, providing guidance, advice and support and building close and trusted relationships to help these students be as successful as they deserve to be."
The University of Glasgow provides a variety of Widening Participation programmes to support those from MD40 and MD20 backgrounds as well as care-experienced, estranged, and student-carer learners. The University also offers a range of access options for forced migrants and refugees through the University of Sanctuary scheme.
First published: 5 February 2025