Moving from school to college, post-16 (young people - SEND)
When you turn 16, you have a number of options including:
- staying on at school
- going to a college
- doing an apprenticeship, traineeship, supported internship or volunteering
- going to University.
For young people with SEND including those with an EHC Plan, possible post-16 opportunities should be discussed during your Transition review.
Staying on at school
Some schools in Slough provide education for young people with SEND who are post 16 and have appropriate support arrangements.
In Slough, Arbour Vale School, a special school, has a further education department where you can continue your learning until Year 14, when you reach 19 years.
Other mainstream secondary schools in Slough have sixth forms. Each school will have their own entry criteria and admissions procedures.
Staying on at school is not for everyone so you need to think carefully and make sure it is right for you.
Going to a local college
The alternative to staying on at school is going to the local college.
Further Education colleges generally offer a wide range of vocational and academic courses. They provide:
- specialist teaching support
- one to one support if required
- lifts/ramps
- specialist equipment.
You can attend mainstream courses with extra support, or choose more specialist courses to meet your needs.
These courses aim to increase your independence and confidence and will usually provide basic educational support to develop independent living skills.
You can visit local colleges and check which one can meet your individual needs, goals and aspirations.
Apprenticeships, traineeships, internships, volunteering
You must stay in education or training until the age of 18. This means that if you decide to work full time (more than 20 hours a week) you will have to combine your job with some sort of training.
A good way to do this is to take up:
- an apprenticeship
- a traineeship
- supported internships
- volunteering.
Find details on Apprenticeships, traineeships, internships, volunteering.
Thinking about Higher Education, Universities
You need to be 18 years or older to take a higher education course.
Each university will have its own support for special needs and disabilities. This should be provided in the university prospectus.
Check:
Contact the course providers to discuss what you might need as early as possible – even before sending the application.
Here are some things to check with the course providers.
- Does the support available meet your individual needs?
- How does the course provider currently support other students with a similar impairment?
- Can anyone help with applications for Disabled Students' Allowances (DSAs)?
- Will they need proof of disability – if so, what is required?
- If you find it hard to talk to the course provider, can you nominate someone to talk on your behalf?
Check Disability Rights UK Guide for information on accessibility, choosing courses, support and finance.
You can also apply for a Disabled Students Allowance.
