The government’s Post-16 Education and Skills White Paper, sets out reforms to equip people with the skills and knowledge they need to thrive, and build a future-ready workforce.
Young people who have SEND are almost 3 times more likely to be NEET.
At Together Trust, we’ve long campaigned for post-16 support to be a priority. From responding to the SEND Green Paper in March 2022 to contributing to the Education Committee’s inquiry into Solving the SEND crisis, we’ve called for; amongst other things:
- Flexible qualifications
- Stronger Further Education (FE) /Higher Education transitions
- Broader employment pathways
We also partnered with National Star on the What Comes After Education For Young Disabled People? Project. The findings were clear:
- Transition planning must start early
- Children’s and adult services working together years before the move
- Processes should be consistent across England
We welcome the White Paper’s focus on helping young people with SEND thrive in FE and beyond.
Key Commitments for Post-16 Students with SEND
Guaranteed College Place
Every 16-year-old will have a guaranteed place in college after GCSEs.
Youth guarantee
Every young person will have access to education, training, or help to get into work. Many young people we spoke to want work experience opportunities.
Investment in Support Internships
At Together Trust, we’ve called for supported internships to be more inclusive.
The government has committed up to £12 million to fund supported internships, alongside free one-to-one expert advice for all learners with SEND.
Expanded Mental Health Support
We’ve long called for full coverage of Mental Health Support Teams (MHSTs).
The government has committed that by April 2026, around 60% of students in colleges and schools in England will have access to MHSTs. At a recent conference, Baroness Merron mentioned that full coverage is expected by the end of 2029.
Transport Considerations
At Together Trust, we’ve been calling for statutory home-to-school transport up to age 25 and adequate funding for post-16 transport.
While the White Paper recognises the importance of transport assistance for SEND learners to access education and training, it lacks detailed policies to address these needs. We are hoping to see details in the forthcoming Schools White Paper.
Skills Passports
Plans to test skills passports could help learners document and transfer skills and experience between employers, improving visibility and progression opportunities.
Pathways to Work guarantee
Integrating the Adult Skills Fund and Jobcentres to expand access to work-based programmes.
Schools Week outline everything school leaders need to know in relation to the White Paper.
Conclusion
With NEET rates disproportionately affecting young people with SEND, reforms must go beyond ambition – they need to deliver real, inclusive change.
At Together Trust, we’re ready to work with the Department for Education and other partners to make sure post-16 education and skills reforms are fully inclusive.
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