As the education sector prepares for the 2028 curriculum reforms, the conversation has shifted. It’s no longer just about what students know, but how they apply it. This “knowledge and skills partnership” is at the heart of the latest statutory requirements and it is a defining feature of the new Ofsted Report Card.

For many college leaders, the challenge is clear: How do we provide robust, quantifiable evidence of personal development while ensuring every learner – including those with SEND – is truly ready for the world of work?

Harrison College, a specialist post-16 institution in Doncaster, provides a masterclass in how to solve this. By ensuring that educational goals are directly linked to real-world job requirements, the college is proving that targeted support doesn’t just change lives – it builds long-term professional futures.

A culture of “no limits”

Harrison College supports young people aged 16–25 with ASD and SEMH needs. Their mission is simple but ambitious: to prepare learners for the world of work. By joining the Skills Builder Accelerator, they didn’t just add a programme; they transformed their entire culture using the Universal Framework. The leadership team is dedicated to uncovering the unique potential of every student, refusing to place a limit on what can be achieved, regardless of a learner’s starting point.

The college deeply embedded the eight essential skills – including Listening, Problem Solving, and Teamwork – into every aspect of college life. This focus on business, enterprise, and employability skills ensures that learners are not only work-ready but also gain the confidence and autonomy needed to thrive in the next stages of their lives.

Bringing skills to life with employers

Located on a business park, Harrison College uses its environment to its advantage. The college has built a robust and diverse network of over 250 employer collaborators who are committed to inclusive recruitment and innovation.

These relationships are built on mutual value: local businesses gain access to a dedicated and talented workforce, while learners benefit from authentic workplace immersion and mentorship. . By using the Skills Builder Careers Explorer Tool, the college matches students to supported internships where they can thrive. Employers are given detailed information about a student’s specific skill levels, ensuring that feedback during placements is structured, actionable, and shared with parents and staff alike.

Outperforming the national benchmark: A 90% employability rate

The national outlook for young people with additional needs highlights a significant gap; currently, only around 5.1% of adults with a learning disability known to social care are in paid employment. Harrison College is completely transforming these prospects, outperforming national trends by helping an average of 90% of its students move directly into jobs, apprenticeships, or further education. This exceptional transition rate is supported by a rigorous, step-by-step tracking system, which is essential for the new Ofsted Report Card:

• The Tools: They use the Skills Builder Benchmark for student self-reflection and a comprehensive central spreadsheet to track progress.

• The Impact: This data is integrated into EHCPs and reported formally to parents every half term.

• The Recognition: Progress is celebrated through a token system, skill-specific certificates, and even essential skill categories at the end-of-year prom.

The result? A high success rate into employment, apprenticeships, and further education. As one learner perfectly captured: “When we started learning through skills, I finally understood it. I could see how what I was doing in class could actually be used in a real job… It made everything feel more real.”

Join the 2026-27 Accelerator cohort

Harrison College is one of more than 1,100 schools and colleges already using the Universal Framework to bridge the gap between education and employment.

As we look toward the 2028 reforms, there has never been a more strategic time to embed these skills. We are now accepting applications for the 2026-27 Accelerator programme, with 200 fully-funded places available.

The programme provides the roadmap, digital tools, and expert support needed to simplify upcoming policy shifts into a manageable strategy that reduces staff workload while maximizing learner impact.

Applications are now open

[Download a Prospectus] | [Apply for a Funded Place] | [Learn More at skillsbuilder.uk/uk-accelerator]