Student Transitions
Discover our programme of events to support your transitions through education as a blind or partially sighted student, the topics of these sessions, and how to register.
Find out more about 'Student Transitions'Education Transitions Conference 2026
In April 2026, Thomas Pocklington Trust and Guide Dogs hosted the first Education Transitions Conference, bringing together professionals from across education and the sector to explore how we can better support blind and partially sighted students through key stages of education.
The day included expert speakers, panel discussions and first-hand insights from students, a parent and professionals working with blind and partially sighted students. Conversations focused on the challenges students can face during educational transitions and how we can work more collaboratively to improve support and outcomes.
Conference Presentations
Below you can access the presentation slides shared throughout the conference.
Providing an overview of the education transition journey for SEND students
Caroline Sutton-Reid, WSS National Delivery Coordinator.
Children and Young People Collaboration Group: Mapping Services
Alison Oliver, Trustee, The Powell Family Foundation.
The CFVI: A shared approach to supporting transitions
Dr Rachel Hewett, VICTAR, University of Birmingham.
Supporting the mental health and wellbeing of children and young people
Susannah Price, Clinical Psychologist, Great Ormond Street Hospital and FAB.
STEP Transitions Programme
George Plumridge, Thomas Pocklington Trust.
Student Lived Experience Panel
A highlight of the day was the Student Lived Experience Panel, chaired by Blind Tobes. The panel included Thomas Pocklington Trust Trustee, Ramneek Ahluwalia, who shared her educational journey alongside fellow students.
“Attending the first Transitions Conference as a TPT trustee was an incredible experience. Having the opportunity to share my lived experience throughout my educational journey and being surrounded by a community of passionate changemakers collectively working to transform the lives of visually impaired students was both inspiring and empowering to be a part of.”
“I’m really looking forward to seeing how the discussions and ideas translate into collaborative action for current and future students around the UK and I cannot wait to attend the next Transitions Conference!”
Ramneek Ahluwalia, Thomas Pocklington Trust Trustee.
Feedback from Attendees
Following the conference, we were delighted to receive positive feedback from attendees. Feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with 100% of respondents saying they would be likely or very likely to attend a future event, and 89% rating their overall experience as excellent.
Attendees particularly valued the range of speakers, opportunities to network and hearing directly from young people. One attendee described the young people’s panel as “particularly insightful and useful”, while others praised the event as “well organised and very well structured”.
We’re also grateful for constructive suggestions; including sharing information in advance, explaining acronyms clearly and allowing more time for discussion. We’ll review this feedback carefully as we plan future events.
Reflections from the Day
“It was a joy to work with TPT for the Education Transitions Conference earlier this year. To have the opportunity to be a part of this vital work in the sector was amazing. The day was filled with such positivity, and it really demonstrated what we can achieve if we all work together.”
“A particular highlight for me was the Student Panel, chaired by Blind Tobes. The young people involved showed immense courage and maturity in being able to share their experiences with the professionals attending. I feel every single one of us in the room took away something so valuable from their stories.”
Kerry Kernan, CYPF Operations Lead, Guide Dogs.
“It was fantastic to bring together so many people who are passionate about improving educational transitions for blind and partially sighted students. The openness, collaboration and shared commitment throughout the day made it a real success and we’re excited to build on these conversations as we begin planning next year’s conference.”
Tara Chattaway, Head of Education and Volunteering at Thomas Pocklington Trust.
A huge thank you to everyone who attended, contributed and shared their expertise. The conversations throughout the day highlighted the importance of working together to create positive change and we look forward to continuing this work in the months ahead.
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