Supporting the educational attainment of youth in residential care: From issues to controversies

•What is known on the subject? – The poor educational outcomes of young people in out-of-home care can be associated to multidimensional factors.•What does this paper add to existing knowledge? – It presents the perspectives of multiple actors (youth, youth workers, teachers, social workers, managers), and the complexities and controversies that underlie different educational attainment issues. – It contributes to the discussion on why academic difficulties persist during placement in residential care.•What are the implications for practice? – The need to address controversies and to insure that all have the opportunity to engage with others in attempting to support the educational attainment of youth from care.