Hayden, who turns 18 next month, is currently living in a semi-independent placement in Oldham while studying at a sixth-form college.
He said he hoped to remain there while focusing on his A-levels in government and politics, economics and biology.
“There’s quite a bit of legislation that says if moving will cause a detriment to your education that you should be able to remain in the placement.
“So that’s what I’ve fought for, but it wasn’t easy – it took a while.”
Hayden said he would like to see changes to way the care system operates.
“I think the biggest thing for me is removing the profit motive from children’s homes because there is no place for profit in improving the lives of children that have nowhere else to go,” he said.
“It’s just something that you simply can’t do.
“So I would like to see homes brought back under local authority control, so that there is a closer eye on the most vulnerable members of society and so that schools and homes can work together effectively to improve the lives of young children.”
The government previously said it was driving forward a national rollout of connected housing options for those leaving care, starting with £25m this year.
It said this would “significantly increase” young people’s chances of being offered a “home that provides them with community and connection rather than leaving them isolated in inappropriate accommodation”.
If you’ve been affected by the issues in this story, you can find information, advice and support from the ‘s Action Line. Anyone feeling emotionally distressed or suicidal can call Samaritans for free on 116 123 or visit samaritans.org in the UK.
