Our children deserve equal educational opportunities. My son, like many others at Arc Oakbridge School, deserves a chance to flourish. Arc Oakbridge school, is a school for children with autism and additional needs. They nurture and provide the support the children need, allowing them to learn essential life skills and reach their academic potential.

 During his primary school years,  he missed over 3 years of schooling due to the lack of available placements in schools suitable for his needs. Time lost that can never be recouped but it's not too late for him and others in the same position to still achieve their full potential.

In a country like ours proud of its commitment to education, it's disconcerting to find the lack of provision for Sixth Form places, for children with additional needs, at schools like Arc Oakbridge. With no such facility, our children are denied the chance to continue their education beyond the age of 16 within an environment tailored to their needs. 

No child should be deprived of their right to education, yet every year countless students with special educational needs are left in the lurch due to systemic failings. According to the Department of Education, in 2020, out of approximately 120,000 special education students, only 3% were enrolled in Sixth Form (Department of Education, UK).

This need for a Sixth Form at Arc Oakbridge School cannot be over-emphasized. Therefore, we plead with the decision-makers, the Department for Education, to grant the necessary funding to establish a Sixth Form here. We owe it to our children and their future. Sign this petition to support and campaign for funding for a Sixth Form at Arc Oakbridge School.