At Bradford College, 93 per cent of our students come from areas ranked in the two most deprived bands in England according to the Index of Multiple Deprivation, the poorest 40 per cent of communities in the country. One in five tells us they have a disability. Many more have needs that haven’t been formally diagnosed. We also teach unaccompanied asylum-seeking young people who are learning English while trying to build a life in a new country. When SEND is discussed nationally, those realities rarely make it into the room. In colleges serving communities like ours, they shape everything. Become a member for unlimited access to FE Week subscribe This article is for members only. Get full access to premium journalism, exclusive content, and early access to key stories — all for £75 per year.