Students with EHCPs have higher rates of severe absence from college than their peers
2 mins read
Wednesday 16 September 2026
A new report from the Children’s Commissioner for England has found that tens of thousands of 16 and 17-year-olds in further education (FE) may be persistently absent, but they are not showing up in official figures.
The Hidden Neets report found that data collection for FE is different to that in schools and many absences may not be officially recorded.
Disabled young people with an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) have higher rates of severe absence than their peers. Colleges identified a range of barriers to attendance, including mental health difficulties, poverty, caring responsibilities and transport problems.
The Children’s Commissioner has called for better monitoring of attendance by FE colleges so that young people who are struggling can be identified and supported before they become disengaged. She also recommends faster mental health care, better support for moving into work and free bus travel.
What do we want to see?
Young disabled people need financial support to enable them to be in training, education or employment. That’s why we are urging the government not to remove the health payment in Universal Credit from young people under the age of 22.
Suitable transport is essential to ensure young people can take up and remain in education. For disabled students the recommendation needs to go further than free bus travel. We’re campaigning so the right to council transport for young people with additional needs, does not stop at 16.
How accessible is your transport?
The Law Commission has launched a review of transport accessibility laws and wants to hear from disabled people and their families. In just a few minutes you can share your experiences of transport and what barriers you face.