Our Supporters
The Power of Specialist FE Awareness Week has been a collective effort, powered not only by colleges and their learners, but also by a wide range of organisations, political stakeholders and community partners who have lent their time, voice and platforms to the campaign.
This page recognises and thanks those who have stood alongside Natspec and our member colleges to champion specialist further education and the young people it serves.
Specialist FE unlocks education, transforms lives and creates lasting impact; our supporters have helped make that message impossible to ignore.
The Association of Colleges said:
“AoC is proud to stand alongside Natspec in celebrating the learners and staff in specialist and general FE colleges alike who unlock education and transform lives everyday through specialist FE.”
Damian Hinds, MP for East Hampshire, said:
“It was wonderful to return to Treloar’s and speak with college students about their experiences, what they gain from being part of the community, and their thoughts on local issues, Parliament and democracy.
My visit came ahead of the Power of Specialist FE awareness week, making the conversations especially timely.
In my view, among specialist colleges, Treloar’s stands out as exceptional, a truly special space.”
Ed Davey, MP for Kingston and Surbiton and Leader of the Liberal Democrats, said:
“It’s incredibly valuable and important that families and individuals really enjoy the education they get. We need to make sure the system meets everyone’s needs and help the sector thrive. When we show what people can do, it’s inspiring.”
Danny Beales, MP for Uxbridge and South Ruislip, said:
“It’s a big jump leaving school, and specialist FE provides the flexibility and structure young people need to move into internships, volunteering and work. Your voice is vital and Parliament needs to hear it.”
Helen Hayes, MP for Dulwich and West Norwood and Chair of the Education Select Committee, said:
“It was fantastic to return to Nido Volans Lambeth today, to meet staff and students. Specialist FE provision is such an important part of our education system, enabling learners with SEND to gain independence, access progression pathways and lead fulfilling lives.
I am very supportive of Natspec’s campaign and the work that staff are doing at colleges like LSEC to ensure young people with SEND are able to develop the skills they need to fulfil their potential.”
Laurence Turner, MP for Birmingham Northfield said:
“I really enjoyed being back at Victoria College Northfield for The Power of Specialist FE Awareness Week. The staff and trustees provide an essential service that improves life chances for young people across Birmingham and the West Midlands. I’m glad we’re making progress on funding in Parliament.”
Josh Dean, MP for Hertford and Stortford:
“It was a pleasure to visit St Elizabeth’s College last week as we marked #thepowerofspecialistfe national campaign week. Their specialised learning environment supports young people aged 19-25 with special educational needs and disabilities, creating a safe and inclusive space where achievement is celebrated. A huge thank you to the team at St Elizabeth’s for welcoming me to the college, and for the huge difference their hard work makes to young people’s lives.”
Mayor and Mayoress of Bolton:
Getting the ball rolling with The Power Specialist FE campaign, the Mayor and Mayoress of Bolton paid a visit to Birtenshaw College, taking time to tour the facilities, meet staff, and interact with learners.
Learners had the opportunity to ask questions about local issues, leadership, and what it’s like to serve the community. The Mayor and Mayoress offered thoughtful, engaging answers.
A huge thank you to both for taking the time to visit and for inspiring the learners with their insight and encouragement.
Bradley Thomas, MP for Bromsgrove and the Villages:
“It was a pleasure to visit Chadsgrove College. Specialist educational colleges such as Chadsgrove do such important work for so many members of the community. The staff do fabulous work, the volunteers and the families. They provide really important support to people who need it most.
We’ve all got a role to play in raising awareness of these colleges and doing our bit to support them. When you’re out and about across Bromsgrove and the Villages and see an opportunity to support Chadsgrove make sure that you get in.”
Lee Anderson, MP for Ashfield & Councillor Simon Wright, Nottinghamshire County Council:
Lee Anderson, Member of Parliament for Ashfield, said: “I think people at a higher level in national government need to take more notice of places like this. Probably get their hand in their pocket a bit more and spend some more money on places like Portland Training College.“
Cllr Simon Wright, Nottinghamshire County Council, said: “Portland is a magical place as well as a champion. It’s a real credit to have this in our county.”
Councillor Mick Barton, Leader of Nottinghamshire County Council:
“I was delighted to visit this wonderful college and was very impressed by the facilities and the courses available for learners. They are one of our top providers and I look forward to working closely with them on a number of projects over the coming months.“
Ellie Chowns, MP for North Herefordshire:
“The RNC provides amazing support for students, helping them develop their academic, social and life skills in a warm and supportive environment. As a specialist FE college they provide crucial support to enable blind and partially-sighted young people to fulfil their full potential!“
Tom Tugendhat, MP for Tonbridge:
Tom Tugendhat, Member of Parliament for Tonbridge, visited The Oaks Specialist College in Tonbridge to meet students and staff and discuss the transformative impact of specialist further education. During the visit, he highlighted how specialist colleges like The Oaks play a vital role in equipping young people with the skills, confidence and support they need to thrive and progress into employment and independent living.
Imogen Steele, Policy and Public Affairs Officer (Education Lead):
“Specialist FE can be the very best option for some young people. It offers vital support, skills development and opportunities to help young people step successfully into adult life.”
Claire Dorer OBE, CEO of National Association of Special Schools (NASS):
“NASS wholeheartedly supports Natspec’s ‘Power of Specialist FE’ campaign. For many young people, specialist FE helps them continue the amazing progress they have made in specialist schools – but this is not an option open to enough. If we are serious about supporting disabled young people towards their adult aspirations, we must continue to invest in and support the specialist sector.”