Health and social care is one of the fastest growing sectors in the UK, with demand for both health and social care employees continuously rising. In 2023/24, the adult social care sector contributed approximately £45 billion a year to the UK economy.
The Health and Social Care curriculum is designed to provide students with a quality education that addresses their academic and social needs. This program aims to equip students with the skills and qualities necessary for employment or further education. By developing strong links with real-life businesses, students can apply their academic knowledge to practical work contexts. The curriculum focuses on four key areas: developing key skills in health and social care, understanding effective working processes, fostering important attitudes such as care values, and gaining knowledge about human growth, health services, and factors affecting well-being. The curriculum aims to help students make informed choices for further learning and career paths, with options to progress to A Levels, vocational qualifications, T levels, or apprenticeships in health and social care.
Social care employees, such as care assistants and social workers, work with individuals to support them to be as independent as possible in their own homes, in care homes, or nursing homes. Healthcare employees, such as doctors, pharmacists, nurses, midwives, healthcare assistants, and physiotherapists, work with individuals to enhance their quality of life by improving their health. Approximately 3.2 million people are currently employed in the sector. It is estimated that by 2035, approximately 2.17 million health and social care job vacancies will need to be filled.
Recent reforms and investments aim to further support this sector. In 2025, the UK government announced an £86 million boost to the Disabled Facilities Grant, allowing more elderly and disabled people to live independently at home. Additionally, a new independent commission has been established to transform adult social care, focusing on improving technology, data sharing, and career pathways for care workers. These efforts are expected to enhance the quality of care and support the growing needs of the population.