Post-School SEN Reform to Better Support Meaningful Lives!

Post-School SEN Reform

On 16 June 2025, Minister Dr Caoimhe Archibald MLA marked Learning Disability Week with a speech outlining a bold reform agenda to improve post-school education, training, and employment support for young people with special educational needs (SEN). Her announcement coincided with the publication of a summary report reviewing current provision and associated legislative protections.

The report highlights significant challenges:

• A 29% increase in the number of young people with SEN in the last 20 years, and a 134% rise in those with formal statements.
• Gaps in transition planning from age 14 onward, leading to disrupted pathways after school.
• Inconsistent access to further education, training, and day opportunities—leaving many unsupported.
• Young people with disabilities are five times more likely to become NEET (Not in Education, Employment or Training).

To tackle these issues, the Minister announced a three-year reform programme focused on:

1. Improved post-16 pathways

• Enhancing access to FE colleges with tailored learner support.
• Launching a pilot apprenticeship model for young people with SEN, working closely with employers.

2. Stronger support and inclusive careers guidance

• Extending the legal scope of SEN statements into FE settings.
• Upgrading careers services with inclusive tools, better training for advisers, and an accessible online portal

3. Cross-department collaboration and legal protections

• Co-designed, co-funded pilot programmes that blend education, training, and health-based day support.
• Commitment to explore legislation ensuring all young people with SEN have a right to a meaningful post-school pathway.

Importantly, the Minister recognised the need for better-trained professionals across the system. In this context, she praised the role of Stranmillis University College, which is developing new training approaches to support inclusive education and transition planning. Dr Archibald also noted the College’s feasibility study into the potential for Higher Education opportunities for students with a learning disability. The study was informed by the inclusive model used at Trinity College Dublin.

Lastly, Dr Archibald acknowledged the progress made by FE colleges, community providers, and parent advocates, while stressing the urgency of sustained investment and joined-up action across government departments.

ARC NI welcomes these developments and looks forward to engaging with Departments (Education, Health and Economy) to further shape an inclusive and supportive future for all young people with a learning disability, autism and other support needs.