School Census reveals high number of young carers
School Census reveals high young carer numbers in Surrey
The School Census reveals key information about England’s school population. This includes data on young carers; anyone under the age of 18 that who provides or intends to provide care for another person, unpaid.
The latest Census was run in January, with results published in June 2026. It revealed that there were 89,803 young carer recorded (up from 25,000 in 2025). This is approximately one percent of all pupils, but this is very likely to be an under-representation. Most studies show that there are likely to be at least two young carers in every class.
In last year’s Census, it was revealed that an extraordinary 69% of schools recorded no young carers, but in 2025/26 this had come down to 59% – an improvement, but clearly not accurately representing the real situation in schools.
Surrey’s success story
In Surrey the young carer population is well identified and supported compared to the rest of England.
We recorded the third highest number of young carers, at 3.2% of the school population. City of London had the highest, at 7.4% and Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole recorded 4.3%.
Surrey’s identification figures is nearly 3x the national average of young carers, tripling since 2023.
This demonstrates the great work Surrey schools are doing, supported by Action for Carer’s young carers team, in improving identification and support for young carers.
Read the data
You can find all the data here School Census
Actions for Carers Support Young Carers
Action for Carer’s Surrey provides support to young carers in multiple ways.
Young carers can access 1:1 support, as well as attend youth clubs, events and fun activities, to give them information as well as time out, where they can meet other young carers like themsleves. We also advocate for the needs of young carers in Surrey, and have a forum where young people can share their views.
if you want more information for your school on supporting young carers, please get in touch.
Call us on 0303 040 1234