This research report by ScotCen looks at the experiences of estranged students in further and higher education in Scotland.
The research found that being estranged impacted on students’ experiences of further education (FE) and higher education (HE) in Scotland in many ways. Not having enough money to afford living essentials let alone the wider student experience, and concerns about accommodation were the most prominent.
These were closely followed by experiences of trauma and its lasting effects on students’ physical, mental health and wellbeing, and broader feelings of isolation and low self-esteem. Interviewees also highlighted how estrangement had adversely impacted on estranged students’ experiences of school, college and university in terms of attainment, transitions and progression.
The challenges estranged students face whilst studying at college and university are numerous, and while a range of tailored support is available through both Student Awards Agency Scotland (SAAS) and colleges and universities, currently it is only addressing some of their needs.
The research illustrates how estranged students can ‘fall through the cracks’ of policies designed to assist them. Issues around understanding of eligibility, a lack of knowledge of what it means to be estranged, and low awareness of support (from both SAAS and institutions) led to students not being able to access the appropriate, existing support on offer to them.