Policy
Practical Education and Neurodiversity Pathways
Support the 22% of Manx pupils with additional educational needs (Source: Department of Education, Sport and Culture, Inclusive Education Framework)by introducing dedicated vocational and technical qualifications at age 14 alongside University College Isle of Man, reducing traditional class sizes and retaining local talent.
Over 22% of school-aged pupils on the Isle of Man are currently identified as having
additional educational needs, with over 93% educated in standard mainstream classrooms
(Source: Department of Education, Sport and Culture, Inclusive Education Framework).
Asking classroom teachers to act as specialists without adequate support creates immense strain.
We must strengthen frontline support with adequate numbers of Senior Educational
Support Officers and Teaching Assistants. Alongside this, we must work to introduce
dedicated practical and technical qualification options at age 14 in partnership with UCM
and local industry. Working with sectors for direct routes to industry and applying the correct skill set for our Manx economy.
Expanding vocational learning in construction, engineering, agriculture,
fishing, and digital technology naturally shrinks traditional academic class sizes while
keeping our brightest local talent on the Island.