Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what steps she is taking to ensure that the proposals in the Post-16 White Paper lead to more students with Specific Learning Disabilities accessing Level 3 courses.

The Post-16 Education and Skills White Paper introduced reforms intended to widen participation in Level 3 study, including the development of new V Level qualifications, clearer progression routes from Level 2 to Level 3, an automatic college-place guarantee, enhanced support for learners with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), and more flexible learning opportunities through the Lifelong Learning Entitlement. Together, these measures aim to ensure that high-quality Level 3 pathways are accessible, including to those with SEND, and all learners can progress successfully into further study or employment.

Earlier this year we published the SEND reform consultation, ‘Putting Children and Young People First’, setting out our commitment to strengthening support across the 0 to 25 system, including a stronger emphasis on employment outcomes, better use of vocational pathways, supported internships and apprenticeships, and improved identification of SEND at any age.

Information on the participation, outcomes and achievements of learners through these reforms will be monitored to identify their impact and to inform policy development.