Baroness Spielman

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

The Independent Inquiry into Grooming Gangs is a fully independent statutory inquiry established under the Inquiries Act 2005. It is for the independent Chair to determine how it takes evidence. It has full legal powers to compel evidence and protect witnesses, ensuring those who come forward can do so in a safe and appropriate way.

On 9 March 2026, this Government took the historic step of adopting a clear, non-statutory definition of anti-Muslim hostility that protects individuals while safeguarding freedom of speech. The definition does not restrict criticism, debate or even ridicule of religious ideas – including Islam – as long as it is lawful. It also makes clear that people should always feel confident to raise concerns in the public interest.

By clearly distinguishing between lawful expression and hostility directed at individuals, the definition helps create space for open discussion of sensitive but legitimate issues.

In light of the Baroness Spielman’s further Parliamentary question, the department has reviewed the response and is now able to offer further detail, subject to the constraints of commercial confidentiality during the live procurement process.

The Home Office has conducted comprehensive market engagement to assess the risks and opportunities of remote English language testing, recognising that all delivery models whether paper-based, in-person, or remote carry fraud risks. The new service shall be subject to a rigorous implementation regime of operational, security and technical testing for up 15 months. Once live, the new service shall include robust safeguards including two-stage identity verification, active session monitoring, tamperproof systems, comprehensive audit regimes, mystery shopping, and annual independent audits. Fraud will be monitored through these mechanisms as part of the overall provisions of the Government Model Services Contract that has been tailored and enhanced for these services.

The current service has been in place in the current form for some years and has not been significantly innovated in terms of developing technology in this space. We know, from our market engagement, that there is opportunity to deliver improvements in this service as well as taking all that is good about current delivery and service. This procurement takes all the elements of current delivery and process and innovation based on new and emerging technology. Every incidence of fraud will be treated swiftly with the upmost seriousness and an appropriate level of consequence for all those involved.