Asked by: Baroness Spielman (Conservative - Life peer)
Question to the Department for Education:
To ask His Majesty's Government whether they will publish the success rates in each A-Level, T-Level, and applied general qualification, for young people with an Autism Spectrum Disorder or Autism Spectrum Condition.
Answered by Baroness Smith of Malvern - Minister of State (Department for Work and Pensions)
Attainment data for A level and applied general qualifications by student characteristics, including those with Autism Spectrum Disorder, is published in the A level and other 16 to 18 results statistical release, which is available at: https://explore-education-statistics.service.gov.uk/find-statistics/a-level-and-other-16-to-18-results/2024-25/explore.
Similar data for T levels is not currently published due to small cohort sizes during the programme’s rollout. However, the data will be included in the A level and other 16 to 18 results statistical release from the 2025/26 academic year, also available at: https://explore-education-statistics.service.gov.uk/find-statistics/a-level-and-other-16-to-18-results/2024-25/explore.
Asked by: Baroness Spielman (Conservative - Life peer)
Question to the Department for Education:
To ask His Majesty's Government what plans they have to ensure colleges connect their courses to local job opportunities in sectors and roles where young autistic people can thrive.
Answered by Baroness Smith of Malvern - Minister of State (Department for Work and Pensions)
Through 2026/27, the government is providing up to £9 million to test the supported internship model in a number of local authorities with young people who have learning difficulties and disabilities but do not have an EHC plan. These programmes combine education with substantial workplace placements and specialist job-coach support, helping young people gain practical experience, build confidence and move into paid employment.
The government is also ensuring that colleges better connect learning to local employment opportunities through new Local Skills Improvement Plans. These plans bring together employers, colleges, local authorities and other partners to identify local skills shortages and shape courses around the sectors and roles that are in demand in each area. This helps students develop skills that lead to local jobs.
By strengthening employer engagement and aligning courses with local labour market demand, the government aims to help young people with special education needs access careers in sectors where they can thrive using their skills and talents.
Asked by: Baroness Spielman (Conservative - Life peer)
Question to the Department for Education:
To ask His Majesty's Government what plans they have to ensure further education colleges place autistic students on the most suitable courses for them.
Answered by Baroness Smith of Malvern - Minister of State (Department for Work and Pensions)
The special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) code of practice emphasises the importance of supporting young people with SEND to make a successful transition into further education (FE). Planning should begin early and involve the young person, their family, schools, colleges and local authorities. The focus is on helping learners access and progress within FE by identifying their aspirations and ensuring appropriate support and reasonable adjustments are in place.
The government's 2026 SEND reform proposals aim to further strengthen pathways into FE, working with schools, colleges and local authorities to design and implement a clear approach to supporting the transition from school to college. This will allow colleges to create bespoke or cohort-based transition packages for students with SEND that begin at least 12 months in advance. In doing so, they will ensure young people can choose a suitable study programme and are supported from day one in FE.
Asked by: Baroness Spielman (Conservative - Life peer)
Question to the Department for Education:
To ask His Majesty's Government what estimate they have made of the proportion of young people with an Autism Spectrum Disorder or Autistic Spectrum Condition who register for a further education college at 16 years old and successfully complete the programme of study for which they first register.
Answered by Baroness Smith of Malvern - Minister of State (Department for Work and Pensions)
The information is not readily available and is not held centrally, and could only be obtained at disproportionate cost.