Choices after sixteen
Education for young people with SEN does not stop at 16. Depending on your
child’s interests and abilities, they can stay on at an ordinary or a special
school, or can move to a college of further education or into work-based
training. Many schools have developed ‘link’ courses with colleges so the
pupils in their last years at school can go to a college on a part-time basis.
These courses help to prepare young people for further education by letting
them experience a college and try out a range of new subjects.
Further education is available for all young people over the age of 16. If
your child has a statement of SEN, everyone involved in transition planning
will consider the possibilities for further education.
Since 2002, if your child has a statement and wants to leave school at the end
of year 11 to go to a further education college or to work-based training, the
Connexions Service will carry out another assessment. The Connexions
Service will assess what will have to be provided so that your child can carry
on with their education or training. The Connexions Service will use the
information from your child’s statement. Connexions can do these assessments
for other young people with SEN who plan to go on to further education or
training, not just those with statements in year 11. Connexions will work with
further-education and training providers to make sure your child gets the help
they need.
Universities and colleges offer education at a level beyond GCE A-level
standard for students from the age of 18. It is open to all young people who
have the ability to benefit from it.