Tag: students with complex needs

College future secured until 2027

£1.4 million in funding for continued pilot

Scotland’s first dedicated complex needs college will receive up to £1.4 million to secure its future for the next two years.

Since launching in 2022, the Corseford College pilot has received over £1 million from the Scottish Government, which has helped to provide 35 students with complex and additional needs an opportunity for further learning beyond school.

An independent evaluation found the pilot provided valuable support to young people with complex needs. It also included key recommendations for the future model of provision in Scotland which the Government will be considering in the months ahead.

The College has now received additional funding to continue the pilot for two more years. A total of 41 young people will benefit from specialist support in the 2025-26 academic year starting in August.

Further Education Minister Graeme Dey said: “Corseford College has delivered vital support to many young people with complex additional needs since its launch three years ago. This has been recognised in an independent evaluation of the model, which is why we are securing the College’s future for another two years to ensure that its students can continue to be supported.

“We are keen to explore a sustainable approach for specialist provision going forward, and the continued pilot at Corseford will help inform this. The evaluation provided a number of important insights and recommendations which we will be reflecting on and will allow us to evolve the best possible model for the future.

“We are determined to support Scotland’s young people with complex additional needs and disabilities. Last month, we published our first national strategy that ensures young disabled people can access the help they need as they transition to adulthood. Our continued funding for Corseford will support this work.”

Capability Scotland Chief Executive, Brian Logan, said: “The Scottish Government’s funding decision following the independent evaluation is a vital endorsement of Corseford College’s pioneering approach to specialist post-school education.

“We would like to thank Minister Graeme Dey and his team for their cooperation and unwavering commitment in making this possible.

“This success reflects the dedication of the college’s staff, whose work is transforming the lives of young people with complex needs. The funding secures Corseford College’s future, but also marks a key step towards a national solution for those young people living with complex needs across the country.”

The Scottish Government published its National Transitions to Adulthood Strategy for Young People in June 2025.

‘We must act now’ to back complex needs students in Scotland

A SCOTTISH disability charity has urged Holyrood to match the UK Government’s commitment to invest in special education needs schools and colleges. Capability Scotland is calling on the Scottish Government to commit to robust and equitable funding for special education needs in Scotland.

It comes after Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves announced in her Budget that an additional £1bn will be given to support special education needs and disabilities in England.

Brian Logan, Chief Executive of Capability Scotland, emphasised the necessity of government backing to ensure all young people have access to continued education opportunities.

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He said: “This latest investment from the UK Government underscores the importance of special education needs provision. We are urging the Scottish Government to match this commitment and secure the future of our young people with complex needs.”

The charity operates Scotland’s only further education institution for young people with complex needs, Corseford College, which is in its final 12 months of a three-year pilot scheme with the Scottish Government.

It is hoped the Renfrewshire-based facility, which currently caters to 38 students, would be rolled out across Scotland.

However, without continued funding and reassurance from Holyrood that satellite centres will be set up around the country, Scotland risks having no dedicated further education provision for school leavers with complex needs, leaving families without essential support and students without crucial education pathways.

This is in stark contrast to England and Wales, which has more than 100 further education centres for students with complex needs.



Brian added: “We must act decisively now.

“The impact of our college on students and families is immense, and sustained government funding would provide the security needed to expand our provision, and support every young person with complex needs in Scotland.

“The First Minister alluded to a vision when he first came into office that every young person should have a positive destination post-school.

“We welcome the UK Government’s investment in facilities across England, and hope a similar desire to help young people with complex needs can be realised in Scotland.”

Opening in 2022, Corseford College provides not just exemplary education but vital physical therapies, life skills, and comprehensive care.

Capability Scotland is committed to engaging with government officials and exploring private funding avenues to ensure long-term sustainability, but stresses that only significant government investment will provide the comprehensive support required.

Founded in 1946, Capability Scotland has long championed the rights and opportunities of disabled individuals, providing essential services to over 800 people across Scotland, including day and residential care, housing support, and tailored educational experiences.

For more information on the work of Capability Scotland and Corseford College, visit: https://www.capability.scot/services/641-corseford-college