Treloar College is proud to join the national campaign, celebrating The Power of Specialist FE awareness week, highlighting the essential role that specialist further education (FE) plays in supporting young people with the most complex needs.
Led by Natspec, the membership body for specialist FE colleges, The Power of Specialist FE awareness week runs from 1 to 5 December 2025. It brings together specialist colleges and other providers offering specialist FE from across the country to celebrate the important work they do with young people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
Across England, more than 1.7 million children and young people are identified as having SEND – the highest figure ever recorded. While the growth in numbers and the costs of meeting increasing levels of need is gaining national attention, the focus is primarily on children and schools. The crucial role of colleges, and in particular the specialist provision they offer 16 – 25-year-olds with SEND often goes unrecognised in discussions about long-term solutions.
The existence of specialist FE means that, however complex a young person’s needs, there is college that can support them, give them the opportunities they deserve, and set them up for a bright future.
Treloar College offers outstanding education, therapy and care for physically disabled young people, so that every student can achieve and work towards a future that is as independent as possible. Our programmes help learners increase their independence and gain the confidence and skills they need to thrive in life, contribute to their communities and gain employment.
Along with other specialist FE providers across the country, throughout the first week of December we will be celebrating learners’ achievements and highlighting the vital role of specialist provision. We will be showcasing the impact of specialist FE and sharing stories that demonstrate how it changes lives.
Robyn's story
When Robyn joined Treloar’s College two years ago, she was ready for a fresh start after an operation at 13 left her experiencing paralysis. Since then, she has made remarkable progress – developing her independence, building her confidence and finding her voice through self-advocacy. With the support of specialist physiotherapy and a personalised learning plan, Robyn has thrived. She says
“Treloar’s has helped me in so many ways. The teachers and staff truly care, and I’m the happiest that I have ever been.”
Reuben’s Story
A graduate of Treloar’s College in Alton, Reuben has gone on to study at the University for the Creative Arts. Reuben, who has cerebral palsy, found in music a way to express themself and process the loss of their mother during their GCSEs. At Treloar’s, they developed their passion into a pathway, writing, recording and performing their own songs with specialist support. Treloar’s gave Reuben the independence, skills and confidence to pursue higher education and a creative career, all within a supportive community Reuben describes as
“a much-needed safety net.”
Thomas
Finding a college that would be able to meet Thomas' needs and provide the right support seemed impossible. Until he discovered Treloar’s.
Thomas was diagnosed with Muscular Dystrophy at a young age, making school very difficult for him, before coming to Treloar’s he had been out of education for a year, anxious and isolated from his peers. Since starting at Treloar College, he is happier, has made friends, and is able to access his education. This has been life-changing for Thomas and his family.
Archie, is a former Treloar College student who followed the Supported Internship programme.
“When I started at Treloar’s I dreamt of having a job one day but didn’t know to make it a reality.
I didn’t know how people would see my skills before judging me by my disability first.
I also didn’t know what support employers could offer me and how I would organise the help I needed. It seemed like too big a mountain to climb.
I now live in supported living community where I run the local radio station and have some freelance video editing work.”
James
James is the latest Treloar College student to join the National Open Youth Orchestra, playing the Clarion. The Clarion offers new and inclusive ways of making music and performing. James learnt to play Clarion in music lessons at Treloar’s.
Clarion is the first accessible instrument that offers access to students who would otherwise be unable to play an instrument due to physical limitations.
James says playing with an orchestra
“has always been my dream”.
He is looking forwards to playing in his first concert with NOYO in June 2026.