A case for £25 million capital investment to create a National Centre of Excellence for disabled young adults
Prepared by Altura Advisory | Company No. 16423364
Dear Friends and Supporters,
When I joined the Orpheus Centre in January 2025, I thought I understood what this organisation does. I had read the strategy documents, studied the outcomes, and met the leadership team. But nothing prepared me for the first time I watched our students perform.
In that moment, I saw a group of young people not defined by disability, but a company of artists defined by talent, determination and joy. I saw students who had arrived at Orpheus unable to make eye contact, now commanding a stage. I saw young people who had been told they would never live independently, now running the Arts Café, managing their own budgets, and planning their futures.
That is the Orpheus magic. It is real, it is measurable and it is desperately needed at a greater scale.
Only 5% of people with a learning disability are in paid work.[1] Thousands of talented young people leave education each year with nowhere to go but back into full-time care. Their families - often exhausted after years of providing round-the-clock support - see their own careers and wellbeing impacted. The human cost is immense. The economic cost to the taxpayer runs into billions.
Orpheus has spent 25 years proving that there is a better way. Our three-year programme, using the arts as a vehicle for transformation, produces graduates who live more independently, contribute to their communities, and - with the right support - enter meaningful employment.
But we must be honest about what our graduates face. Not every student will move into work immediately. At graduation, 13% are in paid part-time employment. Within three years, that figure rises to 63.5% - as graduates progress through further study, voluntary work and community engagement into sustained paid work. The progressive pathway reflects the truth that transformation takes time.
We commissioned this independent report to provide potential funders, partners and policymakers with a rigorous, evidence-based assessment of the social and economic value Orpheus creates. As we prepare to make the case for £25 million in capital investment, it is essential that our claims are grounded in data, independently verified and presented with full transparency.
The £25 million we are seeking will not simply expand Orpheus. It will create something that does not yet exist in this country: a National Centre of Excellence that trains the SEND teachers the UK desperately needs, an academy which supports employers to become genuinely disability confident, a community hub to host productions and workshops, and a reminder to every young disabled person and their family that a fulfilling, independent life is not a dream - it is an achievable goal.
I invite you to read this report, to visit us at Godstone and to see for yourself the magic that happens when young disabled adults are given the chance to show what they can do.
With warm regards,
Andrew Willetts
Chief Executive Officer, The Orpheus Centre Trust
The Orpheus Centre is a unique specialist Further Education college for disabled young adults aged 18-25, founded by Sir Richard Stilgoe in 1998 in Godstone, Surrey. Using the transformative power of the arts, Orpheus equips young disabled adults with the confidence, skills and independence to live fulfilling lives and find meaningful employment.
Orpheus delivers a proven pathway from dependency to independence. Our three-year programme combines arts education with independent living skills, supported accommodation, and employment preparation, producing graduates who can live independently, contribute economically, and participate in their communities.
This report presents an evidence-based social return on investment analysis leveraging internal data, UK government statistics and published research. Considering the direct economic impact of increased independence of students resulting in reduced care costs, and ability to access paid work which Orpheus delivers today - we demonstrate:
| Key Finding | Value |
|---|---|
| Total investment per student (3-year programme) | £133,089 |
| Annual benefit per student (sustained, Year 3+) | £43,402 |
| Payback period | 3.7 years |
| 40-year net value per student | £1,576,826 |
| Return on investment | 12.8x |
* Social ROI (40-year, discounted - Green Book): 6.8x
We are now seeking £25 million in capital funding to build a transformative new arts centre on our campus that will enable us to become a National Centre of Excellence, increase student capacity, develop a SEND teaching college, and create a model for disability-confident employment that can be replicated across the UK.
The Orpheus Centre was established in 1998 by the lyricist and musician Sir Richard Stilgoe, with a vision that the performing arts could be a vehicle for personal transformation. What began as a small initiative has grown into a nationally recognised specialist college supporting 68 students, with a third living on-site in supported living. Student numbers have grown reflecting increasing demand for our specialist model.
Our Vision is of an inclusive world where disabled young people, with a passion for the arts and desire to live and work independently, can achieve their aspirations.
Our Mission is to inspire and empower young disabled students, to live fulfilling and independent lives.
Education: A three-year arts curriculum covering drama, music, dance, multimedia and film, alongside functional skills, independence training and employment preparation. Students gain formal qualifications and real-world experience.
Supported Living & Accommodation: On-site residential accommodation with domiciliary care, enabling students to develop independent living skills in a safe, supportive environment.
Student-Led Enterprises: Students work in groups to form their own company and develop products or services to sell. This includes: Access/Sensory audits of offices and venues, Catering, Performance Singing, Stay and Play Childcare and Activism Art and Merchandise. They work on every aspect of the business from product design to marketing and delivery of the service.
Work Experience: Either individual or small groups of students attend work experience placements, normally over an extended period of a half/full term. This includes partnerships with the Gatwick Hilton, SGN, The National Trust, along with several local businesses.
Community Engagement: Students deliver theatre experiences to local schools, perform at public events, and work with professional artists and businesses.
Wellbeing: Evidence-based interventions and support to help students with their wellbeing and mental health, including speech and language therapy, physiotherapy, adapted counselling and art therapy, drama therapy, music therapy and a variety of student-led wellbeing interventions.
The Orpheus Centre has grown significantly over the past six years, with student numbers rising 84% from 37 in 2018/19 to 68 in 2025/26. Each year the college typically enrols around 22 new students. The average cost per student has risen from £27,000 to £57,000, reflecting not just inflation, but the increasing complexity of needs as students arrive younger and as mainstream education becomes better able to support those with less complex requirements, meaning Orpheus increasingly serves those with the most significant needs.
Every student arrives at Orpheus living with their family or carers. 40% are NEET (not in education, employment or training) on entry. The Orpheus programme is their pathway out of dependency.
Once enrolled, students stay. Retention and graduation rates average 99%. Over the last seven cohorts, 110 graduates have completed the programme.
Of those 110 graduates, 51 have moved into supported living - a remarkable outcome. Other students returned to family, many of whom subsequently transition to supported living after further education or work experience. In terms of activity destinations in 25/26, 13% entered paid employment, 56% pursued further education, 6% took on voluntary work, and 25% engaged in purposeful community activities.
The employment landscape for disabled people in the UK reveals a profound and persistent inequality that demands urgent action.
| Metric | Figure |
|---|---|
| Employment rate for non-disabled people | 80%[2] |
| Employment rate for all disabled people | ~53%[2] |
| Employment rate for people with learning disabilities | ~5%[1] |
| Disability employment gap | 29.7pp[2] |
| Disabled people of working age economically inactive | 4.35m[2] |
For people with learning disabilities, councils report that just 5% are in paid employment. People with severe or specific learning difficulties have among the lowest employment rates of any disability group.
Without access to meaningful education, employment and independent living, young disabled adults face isolation, loss of purpose, deteriorating mental health, and lifelong dependency. Their families bear enormous emotional and financial burdens, often sacrificing careers and wellbeing.
Family Fund research shows that only 7% of parent carers of disabled young people are able to work as much as they would like due to carer responsibilities.[4]
The UK Government spends £76.9 billion annually on benefits for disabled people and those with health conditions.[5] Learning disability support has the highest unit cost of any adult social care category. Councils' care and support spending on working-age and lifelong disabled adults reached £10.9 billion in 2024, up 32% from 2019.[6] For each young disabled person who remains dependent on care, the state incurs ongoing costs in care provision, housing benefit and disability-related benefits.
The Government's February 2026 SEND reforms acknowledge this crisis, noting that outcomes for children and young people with SEND "remain low despite an 87% rise in high needs funding over the last 6 years".[3]
By combining specialist arts education, supported living, and employment preparation, Orpheus equips disabled young adults with the confidence, skills and independence to lead fulfilling lives - generating measurable social and economic returns for individuals, families and the public purse.
To deliver this mission, Orpheus brings together a multidisciplinary team of 109 FTE specialist staff - including teachers, care workers, therapy professionals, enterprise coaches, occupational therapists and careers advisors - alongside arts professionals and performance practitioners. This is a workforce shaped by lived experience, with 35% identifying as disabled or having a long-term condition. Their work is supported by a well-equipped physical environment, including accessible theatre facilities, practice rooms, performance equipment, on-site accommodation units and assistive technology, maintained at an average cost of £188,000 per year. Financially, Orpheus operates through a diverse mix of grants, donations, fees, fundraising income and endowments, collectively sustaining annual operating costs of £5 million. These resources are strengthened by a network of strategic partnerships with employers, arts organisations, local authorities, health services, and engagement with other educational institutions. In the past, our volunteers received the Queen's Award for Voluntary Service- the highest award given to volunteer groups in the UK.
Students participate in personalised, project-based learning and accredited theatre and arts courses covering performance training, technical theatre, creative arts, English, maths and digital skills. This learning extends beyond the classroom through student-led enterprise groups - including OrpheTots, OrpheAccess, the Forum Theatre and Arts Cafe - that provide real-world employment experience. Alongside their education, students develop life skills through on-site accommodation with 24/7 support: cooking, budgeting, money management, personal care and community integration. Employment preparation is woven throughout the experience, with careers guidance, CV writing, interview skills, work experience placements with 30+ partner organisations, employer engagement events, accessibility audits and post-graduation follow-up. This holistic approach is reinforced through continuous staff development, including ELKLAN Train-the-Trainer certification, the Disabilities Allies Group, Living Wage commitment and leadership development.
Currently 23 students are enrolled annually, with 68 students in the programme at any time and a 100% retention rate. Student achievement is consistently strong, with 97% of final-year students achieving an academic qualification and 23 graduates completing the programme annually. The college delivers 8+ performance and showcase events per year, alongside work placements with 20+ partner organisations. This is further enriched by corporate volunteers, with more than 15 contributing to the programme each year.
Improved confidence, communication and employment skills.
Students develop practical life skills and technical arts skills.
Increased independence in daily living.
Improved mental health, wellbeing and reduced social isolation.
Community and employer awareness of disability inclusion via 15+ corporate volunteers.
13% of final-year students progress to paid employment - against a national benchmark of just 5.1%.[1]
56% progress to further education, 6% progress to voluntary work, 25% progress to purposeful community engagement.
42% of graduates move into supported living.
Employers adopt disability-confident policies following student-led audits.
Societal increase in employment equality.
Improved economic outcomes.
More disabled young people in creative education pathways.
More employers hiring disabled staff.
Reduced care burden on families and public services. More inclusive communities and arts.
| Input | Description |
|---|---|
| Performing Arts Education | Three-year curriculum in drama, music, dance, multimedia and film with formal qualifications |
| Independent Living Training | Daily living skills including cooking, budgeting, travel, self-care and personal safety |
| Supported Accommodation | On-site housing with graduated care enabling independence |
| Employment Preparation | Student-led enterprises, work placements, CV and interview skills |
| Professional Mentorship | Access to professional artists, musicians and industry practitioners |
| Therapeutic Support | Person-centred care plans, emotional wellbeing and confidence building |
| Community Integration | Public performances, school outreach, local business partnerships |
| Timeframe | Outcomes |
|---|---|
| Short-term | Increased confidence and self-esteem; improved communication; creative expression; peer relationships |
| Medium-term | Ability to live independently; readiness for employment or further study; reduced care needs; released carer capacity |
| Long-term | Reduced lifetime care costs; increased tax revenue; changed employer attitudes; replicable national model |
Since 1998, the Orpheus Centre has supported hundreds of young disabled adults. The evidence is visible in transformed lives, family testimony, and growing recognition of our model.
In March 2026, the Orpheus Centre surveyed 15 alumni from the 2023, 2024 and 2025 graduating cohorts.[7] The results provide compelling evidence of the lasting impact of the programme.
| Metric | Result |
|---|---|
| Respondents rating Orpheus impact 8/10 or higher | 80% |
| Respondents rating Orpheus impact 10/10 | 53% |
| Mean Orpheus impact score (out of 10) | 8.7 |
| Graduates living independently (supported living or at college) | 60% |
| Graduates in further education or training | 67% |
| Graduates in paid employment or volunteering | 40% |
| Life satisfaction 8/10 or higher | 80% |
| Mean life satisfaction score (out of 10) | 8.1 |
60% of graduates have transitioned to supported living or college accommodation - demonstrating the movement from family dependency to independence that generates care cost savings and carer release effects. 67% are pursuing further education or training, reflecting the progressive employment pathway in the financial model. 40% are in paid employment or volunteering.
The Orpheus Centre has tracked student responses to its therapy and wellbeing programme annually since 2020/21.[8] The five-year averages demonstrate sustained, consistent impact.
| Therapy & Wellbeing Measure | 5-Year Average |
|---|---|
| Students who said therapies were helping them to learn | 89% |
| Students who said therapies were helping them become more independent | 82% |
| Students who said therapies have helped with their health | 77% |
| Students who said therapy/wellbeing support has improved their mental wellbeing | 88% |
| Students who said therapies helped them communicate with others and make friends | 78% |
| Students who enjoyed taking part in wellbeing lunch clubs / Act II activities | 94% |
| Students who said wellbeing strategies helped them feel better | 94% |
| Students who said wellbeing strategies helped them communicate how they are feeling | 94% |
| Students who said Orpheus cares about their mental health | 89% |
Three findings are particularly significant for funders. First, 88% of learners report that therapy and wellbeing support has improved their mental wellbeing - a direct contributor to sustained independence post-graduation and reduced NHS demand. Second, 82% say therapies are helping them become more independent - validating the core mechanism of the Orpheus model. Third, 89% say Orpheus cares about their mental health - reflecting a culture of psychological safety that underpins all other outcomes.
When Joseph began preparing for adulthood, the path ahead felt uncertain. As a young man with Down’s Syndrome and autism, Joseph needed the right environment to build confidence, independence and a sense of purpose. That transition became even more challenging when he started at Orpheus in 2020 - at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Once on site, Joseph flourished. His favourite subject was drama, where he found a space to express himself, build communication skills and grow in confidence. One of his proudest moments was performing in Singing in the Rain. Through supported living at the Centre, he learned essential independent living skills including managing food, shopping, cooking and general household tasks.
Employment was another key milestone. Through the Orpheus work experience scheme he secured a placement at a Hilton hotel, working three days a week behind the bar. With support from Orpheus staff and the Transitions Team, Joseph grew in confidence, reliability and independence in a professional environment.
Alongside his studies, Joseph is a Para Olympic karate competitor and medal winner, selected to represent Great Britain at the Virtus Global Games and England at the European Senior Karate Championships. Today, Joseph has two paid jobs and is travelling to Germany this year to compete for England.
Before coming to Orpheus, Lucy's education journey was unsettled and often overwhelming. Moving between several schools, she struggled to feel safe or supported. Anxiety and low confidence made it difficult for her to thrive. As she put it: "I scared so easily and my wellbeing was just not quite right."
Orpheus changed that trajectory. From the moment she arrived, Lucy found a calm, inclusive space where her creativity and personality were celebrated. Through the arts-based approach, Lucy expressed herself through performance, while structured support helped her develop life skills, emotional resilience and independence.
The impact has been transformative. Lucy has grown into a confident, organised and self-assured young woman. She became a tenant in her second year - earning huge pride from both herself and her parents. She has clear aspirations to work in fashion, beauty or makeup, live independently with her fiancé and earn her own income.
Samuel describes himself as having a "positive outlook" - and anyone who met him at Orpheus would agree. Over three years, Samuel embraced every opportunity: he supported the OrpheTots childcare group, helped run the Arts Cafe, and served as a Safeguarding Ambassador.
Dance was always Samuel's greatest passion. While at Orpheus, he was accepted onto the Unexpected Leaders programme run by Diverse City, where he developed his own dance workshop and co-taught sessions alongside a professional mentor. He then secured a placement with Synergy Dance, delivering inclusive sessions for children aged 5-18.
Today, Samuel is in paid employment as a Dance Teacher with Synergy Dance Outreach, inspiring the next generation through movement and creativity.
Claire has Down’s Syndrome and started work as catering assistant at Orpheus. She was then promoted to a life skills assistant, through training and development and has worked at Orpheus for six years. She was previously a student - making her a living example of the Orpheus pathway from education to employment to promotion.
Since becoming a staff member, Claire has grown in confidence and feels she can speak up. She sits on the EDI and Health & Safety Committees, has joined the Orpheus Ability Allies group, and is a member of the Super Troopers staff dance troupe. She is a co-trainer for the Oliver McGowan Mandatory Training on Learning Disability and Autism. Outside Orpheus, Claire is an associate artist of the Access All Areas theatre company and is working towards her Level 1 BSL.
Haidee is a Learning Support Care Assistant who was trained as a special needs teacher before discovering she had a high-frequency hearing loss. More recently, she has experienced significant changes to her vision, requiring monthly eye injections and the loss of central vision in one eye.
Throughout these changes, Haidee has felt strongly supported at Orpheus. Haidee joined the Disability Allies group to give back and to encourage others to speak up when they are struggling. She is also a disability champion, and supports disabled colleagues to seek support and workplace adjustments.
SGN, the gas distribution network, first connected with Orpheus through a corporate volunteer day. Thanks to close stewardship and ongoing dialogue, SGN then offered a structured work placement for an Orpheus student.
Alfie joined SGN's recruitment team on a weekly placement, taking on responsibilities including printing and scanning recruitment documents, organising files on secure shared folders, and processing internal change forms. With clear, structured instructions, Alfie grew in confidence and independence - to the point where he would arrive and begin working without prompting.
Laura Hillier, who led the placement, described the impact: positive team morale, more inclusive thinking, and a fresh perspective on everyday work. Colleagues were proactive in supporting Alfie, volunteering tasks and asking about his interests. The experience has had lasting effects on SGN's practices, increasing confidence in inclusive hiring and setting an example for the wider business.
The Theory of Change has guided a financial impact model incorporating data collected over a seven-year longitudinal study of Orpheus, UK government statistics and published research. This section presents the high-level findings.
Programme costs: Average cost £44,363 per student per year. 3-year programme. Total investment: £133,089 per student.
Improved Employee Outcomes: On average, 40% of students are NEET (not in education, employment or training) when they join Orpheus. A further 60% are in education, and none are in paid employment. 13% move to part time work immediately following their graduation from Orpheus (which has trended lower over the years as the average age of student decreases), with an additional 63.5% estimated to move into paid part time work after 3 years (76% total). The total employee effect per working student per year is £13,849 including wages, employer NI and a small corresponding reduction in universal credit.
Reduction in Care requirements: On average, 50% of students require 1:1 care when they first join Orpheus. By offering the experience to live on campus for a year, and through further support and skills development, 30% of students reduce their care needs to a 1:3 ratio. A further 50% of students require 1:3 care when they join, which reduces to 1:6 care on graduation. Average care saving on graduation: £32,877 per student annually.
| Employment Effect: Annual Benefits (Year 3+ Sustained) | Value |
|---|---|
| Average student annual earnings (part time) | £10,159 |
| Employer NI contributions | £774 |
| Reduction in Universal Credit | £3,641 |
| Employment effect per student | £13,849 |
| % of students in part time work after 3 years | 76% |
| Total annual benefit per student (Year 3+) | £10,525 |
| Reduction in Care: Benefits (Year 3+ Sustained) | Value |
|---|---|
| Care saving per student from 1:1 to 1:3 | £77,357 |
| Care saving per student from 1:3 to 1:6 | £19,340 |
| % of students reducing care requirements from 1:1 to 1:3 | 30% |
| % of students reducing care requirements from 1:3 to 1:6 | 50% |
| Total annual benefit per student (Year 3+) | £32,877 |
| Return on Investment | Value |
|---|---|
| Total investment per student (3-year programme) | £133,089 |
| Total annual benefit (Year 3+) | £43,402 |
| Payback period | 3.7 years |
| 10-year net value per student | £274,759 |
| 40-year net value per student | £1,576,826 |
| Social Return on Investment | 12.8x |
* Social ROI (40-year, discounted - Green Book): 6.8x
The progressive employment pathway - 13% entering work immediately and 76% employed within three years - reflects the reality that transformation takes time. The improved independence that students achieve - results in a reduction in care hours. The 12.8x SROI demonstrates exceptional value even on conservative assumptions.
The Orpheus Centre has demonstrated over 25 years that its model works. But our current facilities limit our ability to meet demand, scale our impact, and share our expertise nationally. We are seeking £25 million in capital investment to build a transformational new performing arts centre to expand our campus.
In February 2026, the Government published SEND Reform: Putting Children and Young People First - the most significant overhaul of SEND provision in a decade, backed by over £7 billion in additional funding. These reforms strengthen the case for the Orpheus Centre's investment in five critical ways:
The Government's own consultation continues to recognise an important role for specialist provision for learners with complex needs to enable greater inclusion and access employment opportunities.
The reforms commit over £200 million to a national SEND training programme and £1.8 billion to an "Experts at Hand" service placing specialists into mainstream settings. The Orpheus SEND Teaching College - training 20 specialist teachers per year - directly addresses this national workforce gap.
The reforms acknowledge that young people with SEND are 80% more likely to be NEET[3]. New 12-month transition planning and digital Individual Support Plans will follow students into post-16 settings. Yet the consultation recognises specialist post-16 provision "cannot be an afterthought." Orpheus is one of very few institutions delivering the holistic, post-16 model the reforms envision as essential for complex needs.
New nationally defined, evidence-based Specialist Provision Packages will set out what support should look like. Orpheus's integrated model - arts, independent living, therapeutic support and employment preparation - is a natural exemplar. The new centre would position Orpheus as a development partner for post-16 Specialist Provision Packages.
The reforms emphasise that inclusion extends beyond education into employment and adult life. As more young disabled people complete education successfully under the new system, the Orpheus Disability Confident Employers programme - supporting 10 companies per year - provides the critical bridge to the employment outcomes the reforms are designed to achieve.
The Government's £7 billion investment, national SEND training programme, and explicit recognition that inclusive education leads to economic independence all validate the objectives of the new centre. The services delivered would enable Orpheus to contribute directly to the national reform agenda - as a specialist post-16 provider, a SEND teacher training institution, and a model for the employment outcomes the reforms are designed to achieve.
250-Seat Fully Accessible Theatre: A professional-grade performance venue including a dance hall for student productions, community events, touring and corporate hire.
Music and Arts Block: Purpose-built studios for music, visual arts, digital creation and collaborative work.
Film and Media Suite: Professional-standard film, editing and broadcast facilities.
Sensory Spaces & Staff Wellbeing Hub: Dedicated sensory environments and wellbeing facilities.
Restaurant and Bar Area: A public-facing hospitality venue operated as a student enterprise outside of core teaching hours offering a new catering and hospitality qualification pathway.
Outdoor Social Spaces: Accessible outdoor areas including a garden and a woodland walkway for socialising, performance and community events.
Therapy Suite (existing campus): Freed space for therapy, gym, sensory room, expanded supported living, and post-graduation support.
Enhanced Facilities: New staff room, integrated office and a reception area showcasing the history of Orpheus. A thoughtfully designed car park with easy drop off access for families.
The £25 million investment will create an ecosystem of interconnected services, each generating measurable financial returns and transformative non-financial impact.
| National Centre Impact | Current | Future | Incremental |
|---|---|---|---|
| Students enrolled per year | 68 | 100 | 32 |
| Annual programme cost (all students) | £3m | £4.4m | £1.4m |
| Annual benefit (all students - Year 3+) | £2.9m | £4.3m | £1.4m |
| 10-year net value | £18.7m | £27.5m | £8.8m |
| 40-year net value | £107.2m | £157.7m | £50.5m |
The expansion delivers an additional £50.5 million in 40-year net value to society.
32 additional young disabled adults per year gain confidence, qualifications and independence. Reduced isolation and improved mental health. More diverse creative voices entering the arts and workforce.
| Theatre | Amount |
|---|---|
| Ticketed performances per year | 25 |
| Seats per performance | 250 |
| Average ticket price | £25 |
| Annual ticket revenue | £156,250 |
| Corporate / private hire (est. 10 events × £2,000) | £20,000 |
| Community / school events (est. 10 × £500) | £5,000 |
| Less: operating cost | -£30,342 |
| Theatre net annual contribution | £150,908 |
6,000+ audience members via ticketed shows. One of the UK's only purpose-built accessible venues of this scale. Professional performance experience. Pathway into arts, hospitality and other careers. Community hub for theatre and arts to showcase the magic of Orpheus.
Projected annual net profit of £8,430. Real-world hospitality training in one of the UK's largest employment sectors. A public-facing community hub that normalises disability in everyday settings.
By training an assumed 20 specialist SEND teachers per year (representing 5.5% of all mainstream schools in Surrey), it is estimated that each teacher will help 24 SEND students to stay in mainstream education (average SEND students per school). The teaching college creates a significant multiplier effect.
| SEND Teaching College | Amount |
|---|---|
| Teachers trained per year | 20 |
| SEND students helped stay in mainstream education per year | 471 |
| Cost saving per student | £20,950 |
| Annual cost saving | £9,859,594 |
| Teaching college annual economic value | £9,859,594 |
Addresses the critical SEND teacher shortage. 25 years of Orpheus methodology codified nationally. Systemic shift from managing disability to building independence.
Based on a conservative estimate of supporting 10 companies per year to become disability confident, this will enable 10 additional disabled people who were not previously working to move into paid employment. Not only does the independence and stability of these people increase as they are earning their own wages, but employers are also paying salaries into the economy, which supports local communities and the government receives extra money to help pay for public services, because more people are in work.
| Disability Confident Programme | Amount |
|---|---|
| Companies per year | 10 |
| Additional disabled people in work per year[9] | 10 |
| Earnings from new workers | £238,095 |
| Employer NI from new workers | £28,214 |
| Annual economic value | £266,309 |
Immediate culture change across 10 companies per year improving attitude and approach to recruiting disabled people through student led, lived experience consultancy. Remove barriers to employment and drive wider culture change across hundreds of companies over time.
The new centre will create direct employment opportunities for Orpheus students and the local community.
| Direct Employment Impact | Amount |
|---|---|
| Staff from local community | 30 |
| of which formerly NEET | 3 |
| Earnings from new workers previously NEET | £71,429 |
| Employer NI | £8,464 |
| DE annual economic value | £79,893 |
| Service Area | Additional Annual Economic Value |
|---|---|
| Direct student contribution (future 100 students) | £1,388,817 |
| Theatre net contribution | £150,908 |
| Restaurant net contribution | £8,430 |
| SEND Teaching College | £9,859,594 |
| Disability Confident Employers | £266,309 |
| Direct employment impact | £79,893 |
| TOTAL ADDITIONAL ANNUAL ECONOMIC IMPACT | £11,754,000 |
| Capital investment | £25,000,000 |
| Payback (years) | 2.1 |
A £25 million one-off capital investment generating £11.8 million per year in additional annual economic impact with a 2.1 year payback - before accounting for the wider, harder-to-quantify benefits of improved mental health, reduced NHS usage, and societal inclusion.
In a country where 95% of people with learning disabilities are excluded from the workforce, where families sacrifice careers to provide full-time care, and where the state spends tens of billions on services that maintain dependency rather than building independence - the Orpheus Centre offers a different path.
For over 25 years, we have proven that when you invest in the talents and potential of disabled young adults, extraordinary things happen. Graduates who were told they would never live independently are running their own homes. Students who were isolated and without purpose are performing on professional stages. Families who were exhausted by full-time caring are rebuilding their own careers and lives.
The new centre will deliver an additional annual economic impact of £11.8 million including direct student impact, and the multiplier effects of the SEND Teaching College and Disability Confident Employers programme. Beyond the financial return, the total social impact is transformational.
To discuss how you can support this transformational project, please contact:
The Orpheus Centre Trust
North Park Lane, Godstone, Surrey, RH9 8ND
01883 744664
www.orpheus.org.uk
Charity No. 1105213 | Company No. 05089501
Programme costs: £44,363 per student per year (average actual cost). Total 3-year investment: £133,089.
Care requirements: 50% require 1:1 care on entry at £116,036/year (UK local authority rates). Orpheus reduces this to 1:3 ratio at £38,679/year. 50% have lower stable needs at £19,339/year. Before Orpheus: £26,500/student average. After: £11,500. Saving: £38,679/year.
Employment: Progressive pathway. 0% employed on entry. 13% at graduation. 63.5% at Year 3+. Earnings at NLW £12.21/hr × 16 hrs/week × 52 = £10,159/year part-time.
Universal Credit: 55% taper above £404/month work allowance. (£846 - £404) × 0.55 × 12 = £2,916/year reduction per working graduate.
Family, household income and living-arrangement effects are excluded from this model, as reliable longitudinal data is not yet available. This is a conservative choice: any such benefits would be additional to the figures presented.
[1] Mencap, Learning Disability and Employment (2024); NHS Digital ASCOF
[2] ONS Labour Force Survey, Q2 2025; Gov.uk, The Employment of Disabled People 2025
[3] Gov.uk, SEND Reform: Putting Children and Young People First, February 2026
[4] Family Fund, Cost of Caring Report 2025
[5] GOV.UK, Benefit Expenditure and Caseload Tables 2025/26
[6] County Councils Network (CCN), 2024
[7] Orpheus Centre Alumni Survey, March 2026. n=15 respondents from 2023-2025 graduating cohorts
[8] Orpheus Centre Therapy and Wellbeing Survey, 5-year data (2020/21-2024/25)
[9] Parliament WQ 10439, 2021
DWP Family Resources Survey 2023/24
Family Fund, Cost of Caring Report 2025
PPL / More Than a Provider, LD&A Supported Living Fee Rate Parameters 2025/26 (London lower bound £22.77/hr)
DWP benefit rates 2025
GOV.UK National Living Wage 2025 (£12.21/hr)
ONS Labour Force Survey, Q2 2025
Gov.uk, The Employment of Disabled People 2025
Gov.uk, Adult Social Care Finance Report 2024-25
Mencap, Employment Research and Statistics 2024
NHS Digital, Adult Social Care Outcomes Framework (ASCOF)
Charity Commission, The Orpheus Centre Trust (1105213)
Conservative estimates used throughout.
This report was researched, analysed and written by Altura Advisory who help ambitious businesses navigate complex strategic decisions, accelerate their growth and raise capital. The team brings together deep experience in strategy, growth and impact measurement, helping purpose-driven organisations demonstrate measurable positive impact alongside sustainable commercial performance.
Web: www.alturaadvisory.co.uk · Reach New Heights
Emma is a strategic growth partner helping companies scale sustainably while demonstrating measurable positive impact. With a proven track record of driving double-digit revenue growth, she combines a passion for purpose-driven business with sharp commercial acumen.
Emma is an experienced founder. As Managing Director of Holtara Sustainability, Emma launched and scaled the business expanding into new markets, launching new products and building the sales and marketing engine that accelerated customer acquisition before a successful exit in 2023.
She also co-founded The Big Exchange, an impact investing platform, and Sustainable Coach, a digital SME solution. She currently serves as Growth Advisor for several companies, and connects businesses with investors to support their fund raising ambitions. She is a Trustee of SameYou, a brain injury recovery charity.
Emma brings 10 years of senior leadership at HSBC, where she served on the UK Executive Committee as Head of Strategy and Chief of Staff. She holds a Master's in Organisational Psychology and a Bachelor of Science.
"I partner with founders and leadership teams ready to unlock their next chapter of growth, combining strategic vision with the operational rigour to make it happen."
Larissa is an accomplished sustainability professional and consultant. Larissa co-led the impact investing practice at Holtara, a dedicated vertical servicing impact investors. There she supported clients to define impact investing strategies by developing theories of change, selecting impact KPIs (IRIS+) and setting up frameworks to measure impact during due diligence, holding and exit. She translated these strategies into actionable roadmaps and external facing reports.
Larissa led project teams to conduct impact assessments for fund managers, assessing portfolio companies across multiple industries, identifying financially material risks and identifying initiatives that drive value creation.