Local Offer - Further and Higher Education

Where young people with SEND can study.

When you are 16, once you finish year 11, you may wish to leave school. In England, the law says that you must be in education or training until you are at least 18 years old. There are lots of different routes for continuing your studies either at college or sixth form, or an apprenticeship. 

Your school will provide information, advice and guidance on which option is right for you, and these opportunities will start to be discussed during your annual reviews from Year 9 onwards, along with any support needs that you need to move on successfully. If you have an Education, Health and Care Plan the local authority will help you get the support you need to study. This will be shared with the school or college you will be attending.

Where can I study?

After you finish Year 11, there are several options available to you. You can choose to continue your studies at:

What support is available as I take these next steps?

Your school will help you to consider what you want to do when you leave full-time education. This is called transition planning. The ways that the school can help you to prepare for moving to college can include:

• Taster sessions at colleges
• Discussions between the SENCOs at each provider to ensure your needs are understood
• Link Courses at college before leaving school. These are to assist in transition planning, vocational tasting and shared understanding of need

If you have an Education, Health and Care Plan, you should have a Year 9 Transition Meeting which outlines your aspirations for the future. The steps that you are taking towards your targets should be recorded in your EHCP. 

Natspec

Natspec is a membership association for organisations which offer specialist further education and training for students with learning difficulties and/or disabilities. Natspec promotes specialism and personalisation within a diverse range of further education and training provision for young people with learning difficulties and/or disabilities. This education should broaden their choice, support their aspirations, represent their best interests and provide a social return on investment. Search for a college.

Moving to Higher Education (University)

If a young person is moving on from school or college to university, their Education, Health and Care Plan will cease as there is different funding in universities, including Disabled Student Allowances.

Universities do not have to follow the SEND Code of Practice, however, they do have to follow the Equality Act 2010. 

Disabled Students Allowances (DSAs)

You can apply for Disabled Students’ Allowances (DSAs) to cover some of the extra costs you have because of a mental health problem, long term illness or any other disability. You can get the allowances on top of your other student finance. You will not need to repay DSAs.

Back to Preparing for Adulthood (Post 16)

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