Luminate Education Group Named Centre for Excellence in SEND
We are delighted to announce that Luminate Education Group has been appointed as a Centre for Excellence in Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) by the Education and Training Foundation (ETF)
This recognition reflects our long-standing commitment to inclusive education. Hosting one of the largest post-16 cohorts of SEND students in the country, Luminate places inclusive practice at the very heart of teaching and learning across Yorkshire.
A Leading Force in Inclusive Education
Operating across West and North Yorkshire, Luminate Education Group is one of the UK’s largest providers of post-16 education. Each year, we support around 30,000 learners through our family of institutions, which includes Leeds City College, Keighley College, Harrogate College, Leeds Sixth Form College, Pudsey Sixth Form College, University Centre Leeds and Leeds Conservatoire.
As a group, we are dedicated to delivering high-quality skills training that addresses local workforce needs, drives social mobility, and strengthens the regional economy.
What It Means to Be a Centre for Excellence
The ETF’s Centres for Excellence in SEND programme provides free, expert support to leaders, managers, and practitioners across the FE and training sector.
As a newly appointed Centre for Excellence, Luminate will deliver CPD seminars, facilitate Communities of Practice, convene peer reviews, and host employer-led events. Together, these activities will enable us to share best practice, tools, and insights that help improve outcomes for learners with SEND across the country.
Championing Inclusion
Chris Thornton, Director of Inclusive Provision and SEND at Luminate Education Group, said:
“We are honoured to have been recognised as a Centre for Excellence in SEND. This enables us to extend our inclusive practice beyond our campuses, sharing tools, insights and leadership with the wider sector to improve outcomes for learners with SEND across the country.
Inclusion is at the heart of everything we do. We are deeply rooted in the communities we serve and are firmly committed to removing barriers, embracing diversity, and ensuring every learner, regardless of background or need, has the opportunity to thrive.”
Upcoming Events
As part of our ongoing work through the Centre for Excellence in SEND, we are hosting a series of CPD sessions and Community of Practice events designed to share inclusive approaches and practical tools for supporting SEND learners.
CPD Sessions
Session 1 – Exploring AI for Enhancing Job Skills for Neurodiverse Learners
Tuesday 21 October 2025, 3.00 – 4.00pm (Online via Zoom)
Session 2 – Creating Impactful Personalised Vocational Pathways & Passports
Wednesday 26 November 2025, 3.30 – 4.30pm
Session 3 – Building a College-Wide Culture of Recording Career Development for SEND & EHCP Learners
Monday 8 December 2025, 3.30 – 4.30pm
Community of Practice: Effective Careers Guidance & Information for SEND Learners
Session 1 – Driving an Integrated Career Guidance (CEIAG) Model
Tuesday 25 November 2025, 3.30 – 4.30pm
Session 2 – Having Effective Career Information and Guidance (CIAG) Conversations
Tuesday 9 December 2025, 3.30 – 4.30pm
Session 3 – Supporting SEND Students to Achieve Positive Destinations
Tuesday 20 January 2026, 3.30 – 4.30pm
Get Involved
Places for all sessions can be booked through the Education and Training Foundation (ETF) website – click here to register. You will be asked to create a free ETF account if you don’t already have one.
The Centres for Excellence in SEND initiative is part of the Universal SEND Services programme, which provides sector-led support to leaders, managers and practitioners to create a step change in inclusive teaching and learning.
To access resources and find out more about upcoming activities and other support, visit the CfESEND area of the ETF website.
Tags: Luminate Education Group