Post-16 education and training for those with SEND

Young people with Special Educational Needs have the option to apply for Post 16 education at any school or college of their choice. In Warwickshire the majority of young people choose to attend their local school sixth form, college or special school.  

If you have special needs but do not have an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) and if you do have an EHCP these are the options available to you: 

  • School sixth form 
  • General Further Education College 
  • Training providers 

Stay at school

Some schools have sixth forms so you can stay at school after Year 11/age 16. Or you can apply to another school that offers different courses. You can get more information from your school careers adviser.

To see more about what schools can offer, find a school here.

Find a college

You can contact local colleges for information about courses and the support they offer.

The full directory of independent specialist colleges can be found at the NATSPEC.

Find independent learning or training

If you want to carry on learning or training, you don’t have to go to a school or college. You can get a qualification or learn skills to help find a job.

Special School Sixth Form 

Supported Internships 

Some of the Special Schools and Colleges in Warwickshire offer Supported Internship programmes.

Supported internships are a structured study programme based primarily at an employer. Supported Internships help young people aged 16-24 with an Education, Health and Care plan to achieve paid employment. The programme gives young people the skills they need for work by learning in the workplace. Supported internships are unpaid, and last for at least six months. Where possible, young people move into paid employment at the end of the programme. As well as time at the employer, young people complete a personalised study programme. The study programme includes the chance to study for relevant qualifications. 

Please contact the special schools and colleges for further information.

If you have an EHC Plan there is a post 16 transfer process that needs to be completed (the guidance regarding this can be found in SEND Code of Practice 9.180-9.182) 

Key dates  Actions taken by your school and SENDAR, Warwickshire Local Authority (LA) 

July - December 
  • Your school will identify a key person in school for those of you that are transitioning into Post 16 education. 
  • You will continue to have careers advice and guidance provided to you by your school. 
  • The key person in school will collect preferences from you about where you would like to go to for your Post 16 education. Your school will send these to SENDAR in the first week in December at the latest. 
  • If you are leaving school at the end of the academic year your annual review will take place in the Autumn Term. 
  • Annual review paperwork will be submitted by school to SENDAR following your meeting 

December - March (no later than the 31 March) 
  • SENDAR has a statutory duty to consult in line with your preference. 
  • Please note, SENDAR will always consult with your nearest mainstream Further Education college to determine if your needs can be met and the support be delivered, as outlined in Section F of your EHCP.
  • Your EHCP will be amended to name your future Post 16 placement and your EHCP will be sent out to you. 

Find higher education

You can search for university and higher education courses at UCAS.

Young people who are going to university are not eligible for an EHC Plan. If you already have an EHC Plan it will end when you start university.

Universities and higher education colleges should have someone in charge of disability issues. You can talk to them about the support they offer.

University students can apply for a Disability Students’ Allowance (DSA).

Feedback on SEND Local Offer