What Makes Care-experienced Young People ‘Survivors’ in Education: Evidence from China

Globally, there are significant concerns regarding the educational disadvantages faced by young people with care experience. Despite these challenges, some individuals, referred to as ‘survivors’, successfully progress to higher education. However, existing research predominantly focuses on the barriers and difficulties they encounter, with insufficient attention given to the factors contributing to their success, particularly within the context of China. This study aims to address this gap by investigating the factors that facilitate educational success among care-experienced young people in China, specifically those who have pursued or achieved higher education. Drawing on biographical interview data (n = 18) from a completed PhD project and subsequent thematic analysis, the research identifies key elements that have supported their sustained educational engagement. These factors include a strong belief in the transformative power of education, resilience in overcoming challenges, the critical role of supportive relationships, positive school experiences, and active participation in extracurricular activities. The study acknowledges limitations related to sample size, regional focus, data handling – such as transcription and translation – and potential recall bias. Nonetheless, this research contributes to the broader discourse on human agency in education and the literature on out-of-home care, with practical implications extending beyond the Chinese context.