Funding cuts to a specialist education programme in Greater Manchester have raised concerns among parents and staff about the future of a valued academy that supports vulnerable young people, particularly those with autism.
Pink Academy, known locally as the “Pink Palace,” offers practical courses in beauty and life skills, alongside personal development support for students who often do not thrive in mainstream education settings. The academy provides training in nails, makeup, sewing, ironing, and prepares students for employment through CV writing and interview practice. Many attendees have praised the supportive, flexible environment and the strong relationships they build with staff.
Emma, a parent of a student with autism, had been planning for her daughter Lily to join the academy this September. However, she was informed just three weeks before the course start date that funding for the Level 2 programme had been withdrawn, leaving Lily without a place. Lily subsequently enrolled at another college offering nail courses but faces larger class sizes and less individualized attention, which Emma says is particularly challenging for children with autism.
“It’s nice to be independent and give them responsibilities, but they are still just children,” Emma said, highlighting the difficulties in transitioning to less specialized settings.
Current students echoed the value of Pink Academy. Jess Wynn, who joined the programme in February, said the experience has been markedly different from traditional school, where she felt “10 steps behind everyone else.” At Pink, she finds teachers more than instructors—they are friends who provide realistic guidance and support. Another student, known as Millie Banks, has started her own nail business since beginning the course in June and is certain she wants to pursue it as a career.
Joanne, a representative from the academy, expressed frustration that careers in beauty and related fields are often overlooked in educational policy, particularly as these paths are typically chosen by young women. Although recent government initiatives have emphasized expanding technical education and apprenticeships, these tend to focus on traditionally male-dominated sectors such as construction. Joanne pointed out the broad career opportunities in the beauty industry, including salon work, media, dermatology, and the scientific understanding of the body underpinning these practices.
She also noted ongoing demand from parents seeking places for their children, with many concerned about the impact of the funding cuts. “The lack of funding for Level 2 routes is leaving parents genuinely worried about what will happen next for their daughters,” Joanne said. She warned that this issue reflects a wider trend across the country amid a rising number of young people not in education, employment, or training (NEET), particularly in Greater Manchester.
As government policies continue to prioritize “hard hat” technical careers, advocates for alternative education pathways stress the need for greater recognition and investment in programmes like Pink Academy that cater to young people with different needs and aspirations.