Children in care denied school places, Lincolnshire home warns
BBC World
February 24, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Children in care across Lincolnshire and beyond are facing significant challenges in securing school placements, leaving many out of education for months or even years. A BBC investigation revealed that a 16-year-old boy, identified as Tyler, was rejected by 14 schools, highlighting systemic failures in providing adequate educational opportunities for vulnerable children. Despite legal obligations requiring councils to prioritize school placements for looked-after children, many are being "failed" by the system due to chronic underfunding and insufficient powers for local authorities to enforce school admissions.
The situation is particularly dire for children with complex needs, such as Tyler, who requires specialized support outlined in his education, health, and care plan (EHCP). His rejections stem from schools' inability or unwillingness to meet these requirements. This systemic issue has left many children without access to formal education, leading to long-term consequences for their futures. For instance, Tyler has been out of school for 18 months and is unable to sit GCSE exams, leaving him with limited prospects for employment and independent living.
The problem extends beyond individual cases, with half of the children in care at a Lincolnshire group of homes being out of mainstream education as of January. Providers across England and Wales report similar struggles, with some waiting six months or more to secure placements for children. In response, some children's homes have even resorted to opening their own schools to provide education for these vulnerable youths.
The lack of funding and resources for schools is a key barrier to addressing this crisis. Heads' unions attribute the issue to "chronic underfunding," which limits their ability to support children with complex needs. Meanwhile, councils argue that they need greater powers to force schools to accept more looked-after children. Advocates, including Dr. Mark Kerr of the Children's Homes Association (CHA), emphasize the importance of councils taking their corporate parenting duties more seriously and "fighting for these children."
This issue matters globally as it underscores systemic failures in ensuring equitable access to education for vulnerable populations. The longer children are excluded from school, the harder it
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Originally published on BBC World on 2/24/2026