Capability Scotland runs Corseford College.
The CEO of a Scottish charity has called out the lack of investment in additional support needs (ASN) facilities for further education in the Scottish budget.
Brian Logan of Capability Scotland warned that retrofitting teachers with training, rather than funding dedicated ASN staff and facilities, risks failing Scotland’s most vulnerable learners.
Brian is urging cross-party support for greater ASN investment to ensure no young person is left behind.
Corseford School is a Capability Scotland specialist school, founded in 1956 for children and young people with complex and additional needs.
The charity runs a campus near Johnstone in Renfrewshire providing education for children at both primary and secondary ages.
Mr Logan said: “We are deeply disappointed that the Scottish Budget has failed to improve Scotland’s Additional Support Needs (ASN) facilities within further education centres.
“This omission underscores a missed opportunity to make meaningful, long-term investments that would transform the lives of countless young people with ASN.
“The decision to retrofit staff and mainstream further education facilities, instead of creating and investing in dedicated ASN support staff and specialist teachers is short-sighted, and risks failing the very students who need tailored support the most.
“You simply cannot replace the expertise and focus of dedicated professionals equipped to meet the diverse needs of ASN learners.”
He added: “At Capability Scotland, we see first-hand the difference that well-resourced, specialist facilities and staff make in enabling individuals with ASN to thrive.
“Our facility Corseford College, Scotland’s first dedicated college for young people with complex needs demonstrates what is possible when we invest in tailored, specialist facilities and highly skilled staff. It provides a lifeline to students and families, proving that with the right resources, ASN learners can achieve their full potential.
“However, this should not be the exception – it should be the standard across Scotland.
“Without a commitment to improving and expanding these resources, we risk limiting opportunities for ASN learners, reinforcing barriers to education and employment, and undermining Scotland’s potential to be an inclusive and forward-thinking nation.
“We are calling on MSPs from all parties to prioritise and champion investment in dedicated ASN facilities for further education centres. This is not just a matter of fairness – it is essential for building a future where every young person in Scotland, regardless of their needs, has a positive destination to go to post-school.”
