Bridge the Gap: Secondary Education Programme for Children with Down Syndrome
Down Syndrome UK is raising money to develop a Secondary Education Programme for professionals to access information and support.
The challenge we're facing
Currently, there is no formal requirement, or indeed national opportunity, for secondary school staff to access training to support students with specific profiles of learning such as Down syndrome. Educators and parents of children with Down syndrome, all report the need for Down syndrome specific training but access to this training, information and support is varied with the majority of local authorities across the UK unable to offer this provision to secondary schools.
Right now, the majority of children with Down syndrome are included in mainstream primary schools across the UK. However, this flips when reach secondary school age.
The transition from primary to secondary education becomes a critical challenge – not because these young people with Down syndrome can’t succeed, or their needs have changed, but because secondary schools lack of access to training, information and support for effectively educating students with Down syndrome.
Too many families find themselves with limited options, struggling to find secondary schools that give them confidence they’re prepared to welcome and educate their child.
Why this matters more than ever
Dave and Rachel from LTS Global Solutions know this challenge firsthand. Their 10-year-old daughter Ella has flourished in primary school, learning alongside her older brother Connor and building lasting friendships. But when they visited secondary schools for Ella’s future, they were met with uncertainty, fear, and a lack of understanding about Down syndrome.
“We want Ella to be able to flourish and have the same quality of education at secondary school alongside her older brother Connor,” they explain. “But this level of knowledge and support is simply not available.”
Ella is not alone. Research shows that while children with Down syndrome often thrive in mainstream primary settings, many face unnecessary barriers when transitioning to secondary education. The gap in support and understanding at secondary level means families often struggle to find schools that feel equipped to meet their child’s needs. The solution: a national secondary education programme
Down Syndrome UK has successfully launched programmes for Early Years and Primary Education, transforming how hundreds of children with Down syndrome access quality education. Now, we need to complete the journey.
We’re raising funds to create the UK’s first comprehensive online Secondary Education Programme – filling the critical gap that leaves too many families without adequate support during this crucial transition.
The programmes objectives:
Enhanced School Confidence
- Professional development opportunities for secondary school staff.
- Evidence-based guidance on supporting students with Down syndrome.
- Access to specialist knowledge and expertise.
Better Educational Outcomes
- Resources to help schools adapt their approaches effectively.
- Support for successful transitions from primary to secondary education.
- Ongoing guidance throughout the secondary school years.
Stronger Family Support
- Clear pathways for communication between families and schools.
- Transition planning support and guidance.
- Connection to networks of experience and expertise.
National Reach
- Programme available to secondary schools across the UK.
- Flexible delivery options to meet different school needs.
- Resources that can be adapted for various educational contexts.
Why we must act now
The timeline is urgent. Once funding is secured, Down Syndrome UK will develop this vital programme throughout 2025, launching in 2026. This means children starting secondary school in September 2026 could be among the first to benefit from this enhanced support.
But we need your help to make this happen.
Every child with Down syndrome deserves access to quality secondary education in a setting that understands their needs and celebrates their potential. They deserve teachers who feel confident supporting them, schools that welcome their contributions, and families who have the guidance they need. Research consistently shows that young people with Down syndrome can achieve when they receive appropriate support and understanding. We know good education works – we just need to give schools and families the tools to make it happen. Join us in building this bridge
This initiative is about expanding opportunities and choices. When we equip secondary schools with knowledge and confidence, we’re creating better educational experiences for students with Down syndrome and more inclusive communities for everyone.
We’re showing that with the right preparation and support, every young person can reach their potential. We know from experience that understanding and inclusion benefit the whole school community.
Dave and Rachel from LTS Global Solutions are leading by example, but they can’t do this alone. Ella and thousands of other young people with Down syndrome need us to bridge this gap in support.
Will you help us ensure that every family has access to well-informed, confident secondary schools ready to support their child’s educational journey?
With thanks...
This appeal was made possible thanks to the support of Dave and Rachel from LTS Global Solutions.
