Croydon Virtual School

What we do

We offer additional support to Unaccompanied Asylum Seeking Children (UASC) and young people who are resident in the borough. We have a dedicated UASC officer who is available to offer advice and guidance on schools, colleges and educational support available in the borough.

For further information or advice please contact: Pamela.Rouse@croydon.gov.uk or Croydontownschool@croydon.gov.uk.

School applications

• primary or secondary school applications need to be made via our school admissions portal
• visit our page of infant and junior schools in the borough
• visit our page of secondary schools in the borough

College applications

Social workers and foster carers should make an application to a college of the young person's choice. They can make the application by visiting the college’s website to ensure that the young person is fully supported throughout the enrolment process. 

The following is a list of colleges who offer dedicated ESOL support to learners:

• Croydon College
• John Ruskin College
• East Surrey College
• Lambeth College

Community support and local support services

UASC who arrive in the UK part way through the academic year, may experience some delays with securing a school or college place. 

The following local support groups are available to offer additional educational and social support to UASC and young people whilst they are awaiting a school or college place:

• Refugee Council
• CARAS (Community Action for Refugees & Asylum Seekers)
• Young Roots 

Web resources for UASC

UASC Health: provides information on mental health, public health, and primary care for UASC

Kent Public Health has produced a range of useful resources for meeting the health needs of UASC. 

Working with UASC has a video of a psychotherapist describing what she found in working with UASC.

Sleep is a video which details how sleep impacts UASC’s mental health

Supporting the emotional and mental health of UASC in schools

Supporting the social and cultural needs of UASC

Coram Children's Legal Centre promotes the legal rights of children in the UK and internationally