Practitioner training
At Refugee Education UK, we're all about enabling young refugees to build positive futures by thriving in education.
As education experts in the refugee sector, and refugee experts in the education sector, we're well-placed to increase your knowledge and confidence.
We run training on all stages of the educational journey for young refugees and asylum seekers; from access to education, to thriving and progressing in it.
Our trainers bring significant experience and expertise from the education and refugee sectors in the UK and overseas, and all our sessions include the perspectives of those with lived experience of forced migration.
Our training is ideal for anyone who wants to better understand and support young refugees and asylum seekers in their education and wellbeing, including staff from:
local authorities;
schools, colleges, and universities;
NGOs and voluntary organisations;
faith groups and community organisations.
Who our training is for
Our training content
Access to Education for Refugees and Asylum Seekers
Free, 1 hour introductory webinar
How can we help refugee and asylum-seeking children and young people access education and build positive futures?
This introductory webinar explores the UK education system from the perspective of children and young people seeking safety, introducing the barriers they may encounter and the role professionals can play in overcoming them.
Who is it for?
Anyone with an interest in supporting refugee and asylum-seeking children and young people. You don't need to work in education or have previous specialist knowledge. Whether you're a professional, volunteer, student, foster carer, educator or simply interested in learning more, you're welcome to attend.
You'll gain an overview of:
The educational experiences and needs of refugee and asylum-seeking children and young people.
The barriers they face when accessing and progressing through education.
The importance of creating welcoming, inclusive educational environments.
Practical ways to help young people navigate education and access appropriate support.
Further resources and sources of advice to support your work.
Join us for an accessible introduction, and discover how you can help young people access the education they deserve.
Access to School
2 hour webinar, £35 per participant
Supporting a refugee child to access school is only the beginning. Children also need to feel safe, welcome, and able to participate in their education.
This training explores how schools - and the professionals around them - can support refugee children and their families, with a focus on belonging, parental engagement, and the impact of trauma on learning.
Who is it for?
Teachers and school staff, as well as professionals and carers who support children and families to access and engage with school. This includes social workers, foster carers, charity and community workers, family support workers, and other practitioners working with refugee children.
You'll explore:
Belonging and inclusion: why a sense of belonging matters, and how to create welcoming environments for refugee children.
Working with parents and carers: approaches to engaging families, building trust and overcoming communication barriers.
Trauma and education: understanding how experiences of displacement, loss and uncertainty can affect learning and wellbeing.
Practical classroom strategies: ways to respond to children's needs, support participation, and help pupils flourish.
You'll leave with practical ideas to strengthen your approach and help refugee children feel welcomed, supported, and ready to learn.
Access to Further Education
4 hour webinar, £75 per participant
How can you help a refugee or asylum-seeking young person find the right college course, understand their entitlements, and successfully enrol?
This interactive training explores further education pathways in England and the practical and financial barriers that refugee and asylum-seeking young people may encounter. It equips practitioners to give informed advice, identify appropriate options, and help young people navigate the transition into further education.
Who is it for?
Professionals who support refugee and asylum-seeking young people to explore and access further education. This includes social workers, support workers, foster carers, virtual school staff, personal advisers, and charity or community workers.
This training is particularly useful if you advise young people about their education options, help them navigate applications, or advocate for them to access a college place. It is designed primarily for professionals supporting young people from outside the college system, rather than for college staff.
You'll develop your understanding of:
Further education pathways, qualifications, and progression options.
How immigration status and individual circumstances affect access to education.
Eligibility for government-funded courses and the evidence needed to establish eligibility.
Enrolment processes, documentation, and common barriers to securing a college place.
Funding options, financial support, and alternative sources of assistance.
Practical approaches to advising and advocating for young people.
Using case studies and practical examples, you'll build confidence in helping young people navigate the further education system and identify appropriate next steps.
Access to Higher Education
4 hour webinar, £75 per participant
University can open up opportunities for young people from refugee and asylum-seeking backgrounds, but navigating admissions, immigration-related eligibility and funding can be complex.
This interactive training equips practitioners with the knowledge and resources to support young people exploring higher education, understand their options, and make informed decisions about their future.
Who is it for?
Professionals supporting refugee and asylum-seeking young people to explore and access higher education. This includes social workers, support workers, foster carers, virtual school staff, personal advisers, and charity or community workers.
The training may also be useful for university staff involved in student recruitment, admissions, widening participation, or supporting displaced students.
You'll develop your understanding of:
University pathways, qualifications, and entry requirements.
How immigration status, residence, and the UK nation of study can affect eligibility for home-fee status and student finance.
Tuition fees, maintenance support, and other sources of financial assistance.
Scholarships and other funding opportunities for displaced students.
Applications, deadlines, and the practical steps involved in applying to university.
Common barriers and how to help young people explore realistic options and alternative routes.
Through case studies and discussion, you'll develop your confidence in helping young people make informed decisions about higher education, and access the support they need.
In-house training for further education colleges
We deliver tailored training for further education colleges looking to strengthen their support for refugee and asylum-seeking students.
Drawing on REUK's expertise in education access and student support, our training helps college staff understand student experiences, navigate complex eligibility and enrolment processes, and develop inclusive practices that support students to succeed.
Training can cover a range of topics, including:
Understanding student experiences: immigration status, educational backgrounds, barriers to participation, and the importance of a culture of welcome.
Planning for positive enrolment: eligibility, funding entitlements, documentation, financial support, and creating a positive admissions experience.
Supporting academic success: previous qualifications, assessment and placement, English language support and progression.
We can tailor the content to your priorities, staff roles, and existing knowledge. Sessions can be delivered online or in person, and commissioned as a half-day or full-day programme.
Interested in arranging training for your college? Contact us to discuss your needs and develop a programme for your staff.
Bespoke training, tailored to your needs
Our bespoke training allows you to focus on the issues most relevant to your staff, setting, and the people you support.
We can tailor sessions from our existing training offering, as well as specialist subjects including:
Understanding forced migration and its impact on education.
Access to school, college and university.
Education entitlements, funding and eligibility.
Belonging, inclusion, and engaging parents and carers.
Trauma-informed practice and responding to distress.
Staff wellbeing and managing the impact of vicarious trauma.
Scholarships, educational opportunities and progression routes.
Developing organisational practice, policies and approaches to supporting refugee learners.
We work with you to identify learning objectives and develop a session or programme that meets your needs. Training can be delivered online or in person, with the format, duration and content agreed with your organisation.
Whether you're looking for a one-off session, or a broader programme of professional development, we can help you build the knowledge, confidence and practical skills to better support refugee and asylum-seeking young people.
Interested in arranging bespoke training? Contact us to discuss your needs and develop a programme for your staff.