Post-16 options for young people with SEND
Staying in mainstream or specialist full-time education
If you do not have an EHC plan, you have to go to a mainstream college or sixth form.
If you do have an EHC plan, you can choose to go to a mainstream or a specialist sixth form or college, depending on your needs. Your school can help you decide.
All sixth forms and colleges hold open days, so you can visit with a parent or carer. You can also visit separately or contact them to ask any questions.
Mainstream sixth form or college
Mainstream colleges will provide extra support to make sure you are included in the same way as other students. Depending on your needs, this may include:
- assistance in class
- additional sessions
- specialist equipment
- adapted learning materials
- support during lunchtime and breaks
- exam support
- individual adaptations
Specialist colleges
Specialist colleges are specifically for students with special educational needs or disabilities.
Some have residential facilities and offer what is called a waking day or 24-hour curriculum. This means that learning continues after the end of the college day, with special activities and support.
Your local authority will have to agree to your request to attend a specialist college. You will need to meet the entry criteria and you may have to show there are no other appropriate options available.
To apply for a place at a specialist college, you should start by speaking to your school or SEN advisor.