Question to the Department for Education:

To ask His Majesty's Government what plans they have to ensure colleges connect their courses to local job opportunities in sectors and roles where young autistic people can thrive.

Answered by Baroness Smith of Malvern - Minister of State (Department for Work and Pensions)

Through 2026/27, the government is providing up to £9 million to test the supported internship model in a number of local authorities with young people who have learning difficulties and disabilities but do not have an EHC plan. These programmes combine education with substantial workplace placements and specialist job-coach support, helping young people gain practical experience, build confidence and move into paid employment.

The government is also ensuring that colleges better connect learning to local employment opportunities through new Local Skills Improvement Plans. These plans bring together employers, colleges, local authorities and other partners to identify local skills shortages and shape courses around the sectors and roles that are in demand in each area. This helps students develop skills that lead to local jobs.

By strengthening employer engagement and aligning courses with local labour market demand, the government aims to help young people with special education needs access careers in sectors where they can thrive using their skills and talents.

Question to the Department for Education:

To ask His Majesty's Government what plans they have to ensure further education colleges place autistic students on the most suitable courses for them.

Answered by Baroness Smith of Malvern - Minister of State (Department for Work and Pensions)

The special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) code of practice emphasises the importance of supporting young people with SEND to make a successful transition into further education (FE). Planning should begin early and involve the young person, their family, schools, colleges and local authorities. The focus is on helping learners access and progress within FE by identifying their aspirations and ensuring appropriate support and reasonable adjustments are in place.

The government's 2026 SEND reform proposals aim to further strengthen pathways into FE, working with schools, colleges and local authorities to design and implement a clear approach to supporting the transition from school to college. This will allow colleges to create bespoke or cohort-based transition packages for students with SEND that begin at least 12 months in advance. In doing so, they will ensure young people can choose a suitable study programme and are supported from day one in FE.

Question to the Department for Education:

To ask His Majesty's Government what estimate they have made of the proportion of young people with an Autism Spectrum Disorder or Autistic Spectrum Condition who register for a further education college at 16 years old and successfully complete the programme of study for which they first register.

Answered by Baroness Smith of Malvern - Minister of State (Department for Work and Pensions)

The information is not readily available and is not held centrally, and could only be obtained at disproportionate cost.

Question to the Department for Education:

To ask His Majesty's Government whether they will publish the success rates in each A-Level, T-Level, and applied general qualification, for young people with an Autism Spectrum Disorder or Autism Spectrum Condition.

Answered by Baroness Smith of Malvern - Minister of State (Department for Work and Pensions)

Attainment data for A level and applied general qualifications by student characteristics, including those with Autism Spectrum Disorder, is published in the A level and other 16 to 18 results statistical release, which is available at: https://explore-education-statistics.service.gov.uk/find-statistics/a-level-and-other-16-to-18-results/2024-25/explore.

Similar data for T levels is not currently published due to small cohort sizes during the programme’s rollout. However, the data will be included in the A level and other 16 to 18 results statistical release from the 2025/26 academic year, also available at: https://explore-education-statistics.service.gov.uk/find-statistics/a-level-and-other-16-to-18-results/2024-25/explore.

Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask His Majesty's Government what assessment they have made of their modelling on superfunds, published in June 2025, which suggested that a profit extraction trigger of around 150 per cent of the Authorisation Capital Requirement provided an appropriate balance between member security and commercial viability in developing the permanent legislative framework for superfunds; whether they are considering alternative profit extraction thresholds; and when they expect the superfund legislative and consolidation framework to be finalised.

Answered by Baroness Sherlock - Minister of State (Department for Work and Pensions)

The Government is considering options for the profit release threshold. We will set out our proposals in the consultation on the draft superfund regulations, which we expect to publish early next year. Following consultation and subject to Parliamentary approval, we anticipate that the legislation will come into force in 2028. Until the superfunds regulations and the code of practice is in place, superfunds will continue to operate under The Pensions Regulator’s interim superfund regime.

Question to the Department for Work and Pensions:

To ask His Majesty's Government whether surplus held within a defined benefit superfund may, under the current regulatory framework, be released to enhance members' benefits; and what assessment they have made of whether the proposed permanent legislative framework should facilitate such surplus distributions.

Answered by Baroness Sherlock - Minister of State (Department for Work and Pensions)

In the same way as any other defined benefit scheme, the rules of a superfund scheme will determine how and whether surplus assets can be used to enhance scheme benefits for members. Typically, the trust deed and rules of the scheme will contain an augmentation power or similar which can be used to increase benefits in some circumstances.

Within the permanent superfund framework, we expect innovation and different models will emerge. Some may offer to share surplus funds with members.