The Springfields Academy wins prestigious award for supporting students who are young carers
The Springfields Academy 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 23rd March 2026. 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.
The Springfields Academy won the award by demonstrating how it supports young carers. This includes running clubs and drop-in sessions with a member of staff responsible for this vulnerable group of pupils. Other things The Springfields Academy offers include: dedicated enrichment opportunities such as trips and rewards, termly “HEARD” pupil‑voice sessions specifically for young carers, and an inclusive support network for families through coffee mornings and pupil groups.
Nicola Whitcombe, Executive Headteacher of The Springfields Academy said:
“Ensuring that our Young Carers receive the support they need to succeed is a key priority for us at Springfields. Our pupils have benefitted greatly from the provision and enrichment opportunities offered through our Young Carers programme. Our dedicated staff are committed to enabling our Young Carers to thrive, recognising the incredible role they play in caring for others. That is why it is essential that we prioritise their needs, support their wellbeing, and help them achieve their full potential. We are incredibly proud of them!”
Benjamin one of our Young Carers said “I like chatting to the other young carers”
Another Young Carer, Olivia said “I like the activities; I am looking forward to cooking”
Research by Carers Trust shows 40% of young carers say they don’t get enough support to balance education and caring. Separate research by The Children’s Society shows young carers get an average of one grade lower in GCSE subjects than their peers and they often also have lower levels of self-confidence and mental wellbeing.
Statutory guidance makes clear that all school staff should be particularly alert to the potential need for early help for young carers. The Young Carers in School programme is a way of helping schools address this.
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 The Springfields Academy. 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 The Springfields Academy is so vital and why this award is so richly deserved.”
Lisa Witherden, Head of National Programmes at The Children’s Society said:
"Recent figures from the school census highlight that nearly 80% of schools reported they had zero young carers in their pupil population. We know this simply isn't true and that young carers are a hidden group of children and young people who need support to achieve the same level of success as their peers at school. We're absolutely thrilled that The Springfields Academy has achieved the Young Carers in Schools award, demonstrating their commitment to identifying these hidden children and young people and ensuring they get the vital support they need to thrive in education and in life beyond school."
The Young Carers in School programme is open to all schools in England. To sign up, visit www.youngcarersinschools.com
About Carers Trust
Carers Trust is the UK charity working to transform the lives of unpaid carers across the UK. It partners with its network of local carer organisations to provide funding and support, deliver innovative and evidence-based programmes and raise awareness & influence policy. Last year it reached over one million unpaid family carers.
To find your nearest local carer organisation for advice and support, visit carers.org
About The Children’s Society
The Children’s Society fights for the hope and happiness of young people when it's threatened by abuse, exploitation and neglect. We see the hope and courage in young people every day, and it inspires us to support them through their most serious life challenges. www.childrenssociety.org.uk
