The Ofsted report also found obstacles due to unclear national expectations and a lack of staff training.

Sir Martyn Oliver, His Majesty's chief inspector, said: ‘Children in care are one of the most vulnerable groups in society, and we know there are significant disparities in their academic and personal achievement compared to their peers.  

‘While this report highlights the fantastic work some schools and colleges are doing to support these children's progress, it's also clear that we need a more consistent national approach to local authority support and practice.'

The report makes the following recommendations:

• ongoing specialist training for school and college staff, to better understand and respond to the needs of children in care
• a standardised national approach to personal education plan (PEP) formats, funding approvals (particularly pupil premium plus) and virtual school provision to reduce delays in support
• improved collaboration between education providers and local authorities, through shared protocols and expectations
• local authorities should ensure ongoing support for care-experienced young people beyond 16, including effective PEPs. 
• extra support for colleges for mentoring, emotional support and academic help, alongside early transition planning with clear routes into education, employment or training.