FutureDiversity

Reports Part of series: Neurodiversity in Mainstream Schools Grant Programme reports

FutureDiversity

A purposeful programme for preparing neurodivergent learners for their future pathways, co-created with key stage 4 students

8 Jun 2026

This project looked at how schools prepare neurodivergent young people for post‑16 transitions, developing a co-created, arts-based programme to support future planning. The researchers argue that transition support must move beyond information provision to identity-building, confidence and agency, using creative and co-created approaches.

Key findings are:

Young people face barriers. These include uncertainty about routes and qualifications, low confidence and fear of failure, anxiety about independence as well as practical barriers.
Creative activities increased clarity, motivation and self-understanding.
Safe spaces enabled peer discussion about futures and enabled students to have difficult conversations.
Institutional weaknesses. Staff training on neurodiversity is limited, and many educational settings offer inflexible systems and environments.

Implications for policy and practice:

Embed structured transition support earlier (before post-16).
Use creative, student-centred approaches to support planning and identity development.
Improve staff training on neurodivergence and anxiety.
Build flexible, personalised pathways into further education and employment.
Recognise the value of non-traditional and creative career aspirations.

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FutureDiversity

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Authors

Poppy Gibson, Dr

Lecturer in Education at The Open University

After training as a primary school teacher at Edge Hill University, Poppy Gibson has spent the last 20 years working in education; 11 years in London primary schools, and the past nine years working in higher education in primary education teams....

Toby Doncaster, Mr

English Teacher at Ealing Hammersmith & West London College

Toby Doncaster is an experienced English educator, coach and digital learning specialist with over 30 years’ experience in further education. He teaches GCSE English and supports learners aged 15–19, with a strong focus on confidence,...

Jon Rainford, Dr

Senior Lecturer at The Open University

Jon Rainford is Senior Lecturer at The Open University. Having worked across a range of educational settings, his doctoral research focused on exploring the gaps between policy and practice in relation to widening participation in higher...

Charon Gates, Miss

Student at Open University

Charon Gates is a student in the School of Education, Childhood, Youth and Sport, where she is also a Personal Development Planning Team Leader and a student voice and wellbeing ambassador. Charon is the Open Student Union Faculty Rep for...

Marie Greenhalgh

Relationships Director at Inclusion Education

Marie Greenhalgh is the Relationships Director at Inclusion Education and Lead for Baton of Hope, Basingstoke. With over 17 years of experience in the organisation, she has led the development of programmes and education provision that support...