Post-16 education

In this guide:

Different types of post-16 education

When your child turns 16, their school education may come to an end, but this marks the beginning of new opportunities. There are a wide variety of pathways available as they transition to adulthood, each offering different ways to explore further education, work, and personal growth.

Apprenticeships

An apprenticeship combines work and study, allowing young people to earn money while gaining practical, hands-on experience in a real job. This option can be ideal for young people who learn best through doing rather than in a classroom setting.

Apprenticeships are available in a wide range of industries, from manual trades and office work to science and creative fields. There are various levels of apprenticeships, so young people can start at an entry-level position and work their way up.

This option can provide a clear pathway to employment while earning a qualification.

University

For young people who want to continue their education beyond 16, university is an option to consider when they turn 18. Many universities now offer tailored support services for students with SEND, including specific programmes designed to help students with learning differences.

Your child may also be eligible for Disabled Students’ Allowance (DSA), which provides extra funding for support such as note-takers, assistive technology, or additional time for exams.

Developing soft skills

While academic qualifications are important, soft skills are just as essential for success in the workplace and everyday life. Skills such as communication, problem-solving, time management, and teamwork are valuable assets that young people with SEND can develop.

These skills can be honed through volunteering, group activities, or even informal interactions at home or in the community. There are also short courses available online that focus specifically on building soft skills. Employers highly value these skills, so they’re worth investing time in.

Graduated Approach and Local Authority

You might have heard about something called the Graduated Approach. While this is no longer legally required post-16, it’s still a helpful framework that’s used in many colleges and training providers.

The framework is used to Assess, Plan, Do, and Review support for young people with SEND – making sure that support is regularly checked and adjusted to meet their needs. Schools, colleges, and other providers might still use this to track students’ progress and tailor support.

Your local authority can also be a valuable resource, offering guidance on Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) and funding for additional support.

What’s next?

There are many different avenues for young people when they leave school and as a parent, it’s important to have conversations with your child, their teachers, and careers advisors to help understand what they feel most confident and comfortable with.

Each young person is unique, and the best path is one that suits their individual strengths, needs, and interests.

If you need any advice or someone to talk to about your child’s next steps, book a free 15-minute support call with our expert practitioners who can help you find the support your family needs.

Helpful resources for young people