Publication of Northern Ireland Care Leavers 2024/25

Date published: 18 February 2026

Key Facts and Figures:

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.