Step Up to Social Work

Find out more about our Step Up to Social Work fast-track programme for highly-skilled graduates to qualify as social workers in 14 months.

Funded by the Department for Education (DfE), Step Up to Social Work is a programme that supports highly skilled graduates into social care. Applications for Cohort 9 are expected to open in early 2025 with the programme starting in January 2026.

What you can get from the programme

Funding: Step Up students get a tax-free bursary of £21,994.80 to train and don't need to pay tuition fees.
Fast-tracking: After 14 months, students qualify as a social worker, can apply to register with Social Work England and can look for work.
Employer-led: Local Authorities host students on a placement for 170 days so you can gain real social work experience, knowledge and skills with your academic study.
Path to employment: When you finish the programme, we aim to support graduates to apply for social work positions within the boroughs of the partnership.

About our partnership

Step Up is employer-led, delivered by the North, Central, East London Regional Partnership, made up of the London Boroughs of Islington, Hackney, Haringey, Enfield, Camden and Barnet, in collaboration with our academic partner Middlesex University.

All of our boroughs are rated 'Good' or ;Outstanding; by Ofsted. We are at the forefront of improving outcomes for children and families with a number of innovative practice models including systemic practice, signs of safety and motivational interviewing. We also offer fantastic opportunities for training and development and support candidates to consolidate academic learning with real-life placement experiences.

Qualifications you need to apply

Social work is a challenging and rewarding career where you can make a real difference for vulnerable children and families.

Candidates will:

need to build relationships with families facing difficult times
show a lot of patience
be good listeners
have good observational skills
use analytical thinking and sound judgement to make the right decisions and protect children
demonstrate their maturity and emotional resilience.

Candidates must have:

a minimum 2:2 Level 6 degree qualification in any subject other than social work (conditional offers can be made to applicants who will graduate in the summer of 2025 - you will need to show evidence of the final grade before a formal offer is made).
GCSE English or English Language at Grade C or above, or the new grade 4 and above (or approved equivalent)
significant experience of either working or substantial volunteering with vulnerable children, young people and/or families/carers or adults.

We particularly welcome applications from men and people from ethnic minority backgrounds as they are often under-represented in this area of social work.

How to apply

We expect that the application window for Cohort 9 will open in February 2025 with the programme starting in January 2026. DfE manages applications - check their website for updates.

What our students say

The North, Central, East London Regional Partnership has supported three cohorts of Step Up students through their programme. Many of our graduates have successfully found employment in our Local Authorities and are now supporting current Step Up students on placement.

Some of our students have said the following about their experience on the programme:

“I enjoyed my placements most, being able to work in an adult and child setting and still having the time at university to reflect on what I had learnt whilst on placement… The practice educators were so supportive and I made good use of the regular supervision.” – Paris, Step Up student in Islington Cohort 5

“I have loved being on this course! I have learned more than I thought possible…The support and care from everyone has been unbelievable, everybody wants you to achieve and do well and it really shows.” – Faye, Step Up student in Enfield Cohort 6

“The course offers the perfect blend between academic and practical learning…I’ve been made to feel that the staff are on my side, and really want for me to pass and become a good social worker.” - Michael, Step Up student in Haringey Cohort 6

“The social workers that I have worked with during my placements have been passionate and I have found it inspiring to work alongside them - it has really made me feel that my decision to train as a social worker was the right one.” – Liz, Step Up student in Hackney Cohort 6

“I would advise anybody that was considering applying for Step Up to Social Work to go ahead and apply... Do not doubt yourself, there is no time like the present, if you want to be a social worker it is a great opportunity to learn, gain work experience and qualify at the same time alongside a bursary.” – Shelbie, Step Up student in Barnet Cohort 6

For me, the biggest supporting factor was the promotion of taking care of yourself and prioritising your emotional wellbeing that all facilitators, academics and sponsoring boroughs within the programme have made paramount…We really are a family in this Step Up cohort…It is so great to learn from other students cross-borough and in supervision, and to exchange experiences and ideas. My peers have played an invaluable part in my learning journey.” – Maggie, Step UP student in Haringey Cohort 7

“For me, Step Up has felt like a logical next step and I’ve learnt a lot about the work and myself in the process. There have been points where it has been very intensive but overall I have enjoyed the chance to learn and study again, while also working and applying that learning. It is great to have a group of students in the same position as you and that has been one of the best sources of support.” – Alastair, Step Up student in Islington Cohort 6

“I enjoyed the environment and being able to experience what it is like to work for a local authority and to have the experience of how the life of an honest social worker can be. They don't hold back and give you the whole experience of what being a social worker is like.” – Leticia, Step Up student Barnet Cohort 7

Two of our students from Cohort 6, Amos and Zeeshaan were both interviewed by the DfE about their experiences on Step Up. Find out what they had to say.

More information

If you are interested in finding out more about Step Up or whether you are eligible to apply, read our FAQ’s below. If you have any more questions, contact Claire Bendjillali, Step Up to Social Work Programme Manager at SUSW@islington.gov.uk.

What professional knowledge should I have?

As well as academic qualifications and real-life experience, you should also make sure that you are able to demonstrate skills and knowledge relating to the Social Work role. The Knowledge and Skills Statement for child and family Social Workers is the standard of good practice. You should also show understanding of the entry-level Professional Capabilities Framework for Social Workers and the Social Work England Professional standards.

What should I do if I can’t find my qualification certificates?

You must be able to provide copies of all of your qualification certificates otherwise we will be unable to proceed with your application.

If you cannot find your certificates, there are a number of internet sites to help you and we also suggest contacting the exam board who awarded your qualification. It can take 4-6 weeks to order new copies of certificates. You will need these well in advance of the closing date for applications.

If you cannot provide copies of your certificates, your application will be rejected.

Can I still apply if I have a temporary student visa?

Non-British EU nationals would only be eligible to apply if they have been resident in the EU for 3 or more years unless they have the appropriate study visa. All other non-British applications must have been granted the right to remain/work in the UK (and provide passport details for checks) or otherwise have the appropriate study visa.

Necessary checks will be completed at the application stage as new settlement rules may apply.

Can I have a career break from my current employment or can I be seconded to the Step Up programme from the Local Authority I work at?

If you are employed in any authority within the NCEL RP you will need to discuss with your Line Manager and HR as to whether a career break can be agreed. Usually we do not accept those on a career break as we wish to fund candidates who want to change their career to become a Social Worker, rather than return to their previous role.

You are unable to be seconded onto the Step Up programme and would be required to resign from your current role by the time the programme starts. You must be sure you are willing to do this as it will mean you may lose your continuous service if you are employed by a public sector organisation. We would advise you to seek advice from your Local Authority if you have any concerns about losing your employment rights as many Authorities are now running Social Work Apprenticeship programmes for existing staff.

Which local authorities in the North, Central, East London Regional Partnership (NCEL RP) are offering places? Will I get my first choice local authority?

The NCEL RP is made up of the London Boroughs of Islington, Hackney, Haringey, Enfield, Barnet and Camden. London Borough of Islington acts as the lead partner. The NCEL RP supported 32 students in Cohort 8 and expects to support similar numbers for Cohort 9. These places are split across the six boroughs depending on the number of students each borough is able to take.

If you are successful we will aim to offer you a place in your preferred local authority. But if there are no places left, we may offer you a place in your second or third choice borough. All of our boroughs are close to each other and connected by excellent public transport routes. However, if you do need to relocate, you will have to cover those costs yourself.

What is the assessment process? What does the assessment centre consist of?

If you are successful at the application stage you will be invited to complete a one-hour written exercise. It is expected this will take place in June/July 2025.The written exercise is online. You will get more details closer to the time.

You will then be invited to attend the assessment centre. Assessment centre session is expected to take place in June/July 2025.At the assessment centre there will be a formal interview with a senior social worker or manager and a university academic. There will also be a practice scenario (role play) and a group exercise.You will need to pass all four assessments to be offered a place on the programme.

The North, Central, East London Regional Partnership plans to hold the assessment centre session online. If you think you will have any difficulties in accessing a virtual assessment centre, you must let the programme manager know as soon as possible so that we can prepare for your session beforehand.

How do I get special equipment and/or reasonable adjustments to access the assessment centre and to undertake the programme if I need it?

If you require special equipment and/or reasonable adjustments, please let the Step Up programme manager know as early as you can so that we can make arrangements. When you are offered a place on the programme, you will need to complete an occupational health form where you can declare any requirements. The university will also be able to refer you to the occupational health service once you are a registered student.

We have supported many students who have required reasonable adjustments due to dyslexia, ADHD, and physical and mental health conditions. We always want to encourage you to be open and honest about any support you may need so that we can put the support you need into place as soon as possible.

What will happen after I receive an offer?

All offers are conditional until we have confirmed references and Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks. It also depends on your medical form that is processed by the university occupational health service.

We will hold some 'keeping warm' days in the autumn where you can meet other students from across the partnership, the lead person from your local authority, university staff and practice educators who will assess you on placement. You will get information about the programme including the timetable, modules studied at university and the plans for placement. You may still be employed when these days take place but we encourage you to consider taking annual leave to attend as they are very useful.

If you accept the offer of a place on this programme, you will need to resign from your current employment - bearing in mind your notice period - so you are ready to start the programme in January 2026.

We will give you a suggested reading list and information to keep you informed until you start the programme in January.

The programme manager is also available to answer any questions you may have.

Can I defer my place until the next cohort?

You can't defer your place because the Department for Education has not agreed funding for future cohorts.

How likely am I to be offered a place on the programme if I'm on the reserve list?

We hold a waiting list because successful candidates do sometimes change their minds about accepting the trainee contract. If this happens, we will contact you to offer you a place on the programme, although this may not be with your top choice local authority. Reserve candidates have been offered places right up until a few weeks before the programme begins, so make sure you're ready in case this happens.

The Department for Education also holds a national waiting list, so you could be offered a place on the programme with another partnership in another area of the country. If you accept this offer and need to relocate, you will need to cover any costs yourself.

When will I receive the student bursary contract?

Student bursary contracts are usually sent out in the autumn. This gives you plenty of time to work out your finances and decide whether to accept the offer.

Where and when is the Step Up to Social Work programme taught?

We are working out arrangements for the academic teaching for Cohort 9. Students are usually taught in hybrid learning – sessions are taught in person on campus and online.

The programme starts in the first week of January 2026 with a six-week block of teaching and study days before you start placement.

You will be given a full timetable before beginning the course and will get more information at the 'keeping warm' days in the autumn.

Will I officially be a student?

You will be registered as university student and will receive a student card. We encourage you to explore what benefits you may be entitled to access as a student.

When will I be on placement and what are the hours?

As part of the programme you will complete 170 days on placement. The first placement will be for 70 days and is expected to begin in the last week of February 2026. The second and final placement will be for 100 days and is expected to begin in September 2026. The university calendar will show your placement days in more detail.

A placement day is a minimum of seven hours, not including breaks, and is usually 9 to 5pm. You may need to work more hours depending on the needs of service users, sometimes at short notice. When this happens, student social workers will be able to ‘take back’ time in line with the local authority's policies and practice. Social work students are also allocated reflective time while on placement.

Some students are placed in teams that may work shift patterns outside of the normal 9 to 5pm working day, for example in mental health teams. If this is the case, we will discuss this with you and agree to this before you start the placement. We will also ask you to complete a personal profile to help us identify a suitable placement for you.

Can I choose where I have my placement?

Your host local authority will arrange your placements and they will be in different settings to give you the broadest experience possible. We guarantee that the 100-day placement will be in a frontline statutory setting within Children’s Services.

What holiday can I get and can I take holiday at anytime?

The programme is highly intensive and you cannot take holidays outside of set holiday periods within the programme. Usually students have holidays during the Easter break, at the end of August and at Christmas.

You can take a day or two here and there as long as you have the permission of the team manager, practice educator and programme manager and can make the days up before the end of the placement.

Will I be paid travel expenses during the programme?

No. You are expected to fund your own travel to and from university and your placement setting. While you are on placement, you may be able to use a team travelcard or claim for travel you pay for as part of your placement duties.

What financial support can I apply for to help with childcare costs?

As you will receive a bursary, which is a grant and not income from paid employment, you can't apply for Tax Free Childcare or Universal Credit. But as a student, you may qualify for a childcare grant or student funding through the traditional higher education route.

It is your responsibility to assess your finances and explore what financial assistance you may be able to get. We recommend you do this long before you accept a place on the programme.

More information

Can I have a part-time job while on the Step Up programme?

We recommend against a part-time job because of the demanding nature of the programme. As adult learners, you must do your own study and complete assignments leave you very little time spare time for part-time jobs. There can also be tax implications as the bursary is tax-free because you are a student. We advise you to contact HMRC about this.

If you do gain employment towards the end of your programme then you must declare this, as we cannot pay you a salary and the bursary at the same time.

Am I guaranteed a job at the end of the programme?

We cannot guarantee you a job at the end of the programme. We will let you know when vacancies come up and will offer employment workshops to support you with completing application forms and give you interview tips.

We have an excellent retention rate of our Step Up students. Many apply and are successful for positions in our local authorities and are still working in those teams now.

If you are offered a job during the course, you won’t be able to start working until you have completed the course and registered as a social worker with Social Work England.

What happens if I am ill or fall pregnant and need to take a break from the programme?

The North, Central, East London Regional Partnership and university will work together to try and support you to remain on the programme, but there may be financial implications because the programme is not funded by us.

If you lose placement days because of illness, then it may be possible to extend your placement to allow you to complete all placement days. This may mean you finish the programme later than March 2027. The bursary will not be extended past this date even if you have to complete more placement days.

If you need to take a break from the programme, you cannot be paid a bursary while you are not actively learning or on placement. We will try to assess each student’s situation on a case-by-case basis and work with the Department for Education (DfE) on how we may be able to support you to complete the programme at a later stage, but we can't promise anything.

Should you become pregnant during the programme then we will meet with you and discuss any reasonable adjustments we can make. We cannot extend the bursary payments for any maternity leave due to the restrictions of the DfE funding.

As participants are registered students, the university has a responsibility to support any student who is unable to complete the Step Up programme due to ill health. This might include a transfer to another qualifying social work programme, for example. You would have to pay course fees for transferring to another programme and would no longer receive the DfE bursary.

Do you have a suggested reading list?

Yes, we will provide you with reading suggestions at the 'keeping warm' days in the autumn.