When my daughter finished high school, she was full of hope and eagerness to continue her education. Unfortunately, we were met with the harsh reality that there were no available placements for her in an Additional Support Needs (ASN) dedicated college due to the limited number of courses and spaces. We are not alone. Many families across Scotland face the same situation, where children with additional support needs are deprived of the education they deserve and need to thrive.

Currently, there is an acute shortage of ASN dedicated colleges in Scotland, which is detrimental to the thousands of students who depend on tailored educational support. As a society that values inclusivity and equality, it is crucial that we ensure every young person, regardless of their needs, has access to appropriate educational opportunities.

Data from the Scottish Government indicates that around 16% of all pupils in Scotland have identified additional support needs. Despite this, educational provisions have been lagging, with only a handful of dedicated institutions available to meet these growing needs. This scarcity of ASN dedicated colleges creates significant barriers for these young individuals, stymieing their potential and hindering their future prospects.

We urge the Scottish Government and the Education Authorities to take immediate action by investing in the creation of more ASN dedicated colleges. By doing so, we can provide an inclusive educational experience that recognizes and nurtures the talents of all students. These colleges would not only offer more placements but also a wider array of specialized courses, enabling students with additional support needs to pursue diverse career paths.

Everyone deserves the chance for a fulfilling education experience. Let us give all children in Scotland, regardless of their needs, the opportunity to shine. Please sign this petition to push for the creation of more ASN dedicated colleges in Scotland.