Exploring the educational experiences of young homeless people.

The research explored the educational experiences of young homeless people. It is acknowledged that the outcomes and difficulties experienced within education, are different from those of the homeless population and their housed peers. 7 participants were recruited from Centrepoint, a UK based youth homeless charity, all aged 18-19. Interviews were used to capture the experiences of the young people, and Smith, Flowers & Larkin's IPA stages used to analyse them. Participants’ individual experiences are presented within the research as well as overarching themes found within the participant group. These overarching themes were found to be: 1) needing additional support in school; 2) behavioural or academic failings at school; 3) avoiding failure and building a future; 4) motivation or change in motivation towards education; 5) lack of drive towards education; 6) support from professionals and external organisations; 6) support from teachers; 7) unsupportive educational settings/professionals; 8) challenges meeting basic needs and accessing resources. The findings are discussed within the context of youth homelessness in education, and alongside current research. The research encourages educational professionals to consider how these experiences might impact an individual’s ability to access education, and what school settings can do to support the experience of homeless individuals. Limitations of the research are considered, and opportunities for future research are identified.