Launch Event
Bright Futures UK is launching its first national research report exploring the impact of long-term illness on education for children and young people aged 5–24. At a critical point for SEND reform and proposed changes to EHCPs and Individual Support Plans, this landmark study highlights the scale of school absence caused by serious physical and mental health conditions — and the lasting consequences for families and the wider economy.
An estimated 279,000 young people are currently out of education due to illness, with significant financial strain on families and reduced lifetime earnings for those affected. This timely report brings vital evidence into the national conversation and makes the case for ensuring that children excluded from school due to illness are fully considered in education reform.
The report will be presented by Josh Pelled, Founder and CEO of Bright Futures UK. A childhood cancer survivor diagnosed at five and again at sixteen, Josh experienced firsthand the impact of prolonged absence from education and established the charity in 2017 to ensure that serious illness does not mean the end of a young person’s education or future. Recognised with the Points of Light Award, he brings both lived experience and national insight to this discussion. He will be joined by a Senior Partner from GK Strategy, a leading political advisory firm, who will offer expert perspective on SEND reform and its wider implications.
Register via Eventbrite for our upcoming launch webinar and be among the first to receive the report ahead of its public release.
Launch of the first national report on children missing school due to long-term illness. Data, impact & policy insight.
Launch Event Info
Bright Futures UK is launching its first national research report exploring the impact of long-term illness on education for children and young people aged 5–24. At a critical point for SEND reform and proposed changes to EHCPs and Individual Support Plans, this landmark study highlights the scale of school absence caused by serious physical and mental health conditions — and the lasting consequences for families and the wider economy.
An estimated 279,000 young people are currently out of education due to illness, with significant financial strain on families and reduced lifetime earnings for those affected. This timely report brings vital evidence into the national conversation and makes the case for ensuring that children excluded from school due to illness are fully considered in education reform.
The report will be presented by Josh Pelled, Founder and CEO of Bright Futures UK. A childhood cancer survivor diagnosed at five and again at sixteen, Josh experienced firsthand the impact of prolonged absence from education and established the charity in 2017 to ensure that serious illness does not mean the end of a young person’s education or future. Recognised with the Points of Light Award, he brings both lived experience and national insight to this discussion. He will be joined by a Senior Partner from GK Strategy, a leading political advisory firm, who will offer expert perspective on SEND reform and its wider implications.