Oxfordshire SEND local offer

Support into further education or training

Making choices about what to do after leaving school.

After age 16, you need to remain in education or training. It's the law, so you and your family will have to make some choices about what you want to do when you finish school.

Thinking about the future can be overwhelming. If you have an education health and care plan (EHCP) or additional needs, you may face more barriers.​
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Your EHCP can remain with you during your further education. It may help you get additional support when you move on.​

Choose something right for you

Make sure you are happy with what people suggest to you. What you do next should match your interests and abilities. Don't let anyone push you into something that isn't right for you.

You have the right to make your own decisions from age 16. Of course, your parents, carers, or other family members can support you. 

You can ensure you have your say by reading more about your rights to make your own decisions. Childline has some information that can help you understand more. 

Proving your age can be difficult and embarrassing if someone doesn't believe you. You can apply for the PASS scheme and get a card that will help you prove your age. 

The National Careers Service has a tool to help you discover your skills.​ It will suggest what you may want to consider based on your interests. You can also explore careers and find a course. 

You'll find information on the different levels of learning and financial help on GOV.UK.

You may be able to get financial support to study from the Disabled Students Allowance (DSA). The amount you get will depend on your individual needs, but you do not need to pay it back.

The Family Information Service (FIS) website lists groups that support young people with SEND. These groups can help you with things like:

  • building life and job skills
  • education and training
  • employment

University

Studying at university allows you to be more independent and have new experiences. However, it can also be quite daunting. There is a range of support for students with additional needs and disabilities to help guide and support you through your university experience.

When thinking about university, you need to consider:

  • the right university and course, which suits you
  • accommodation
  • facilities
  • finance
  • study resources

Find out more on the UCAS website for more SEND specific insight.

Support for travel

You may be entitled to support in travelling to your education or training. Laws ensure that transport is available for some students. The Post 16 Transport Policy Statement (pdf format, 210 KB) has details.

Plan for further education and training

In the school year before you move on, you should expect to follow the stages below to help you prepare.

Autumn term (September to December)

Special educational needs support or EHCP review

Your school and the local authority will arrange your review early in the school year (before January). You can discuss what you want to do and apply for courses or training.

Spring term

You and your current school need to tell your new placement how you want them to support you. Your new placement can arrange to provide that support.

Summer term

Once you know what your placement will be, you may be able to spend some time there. You can become familiar with the buildings, people and travel arrangements. They can get to know you and your aspirations.

Tell your new placement about any extra support you may need as soon as possible. It will not affect you getting your place, but it may help make it better when you get there. If you don't want to share anything, you do not need to.

Find an education or training provider

Most young people with special educational needs go to a mainstream college or training provider with other young people of the same age. 

Option 1: Stay at school

You could stay at your school for years 12 and 13. However, you may want to apply to another school that offers different courses and support for students. Check your local school websites for information about what they offer.

Option 2: Go to college

The guide to SEN Support in further education (FE) colleges (pdf format, 89 KB) explains what you can expect from FE.

Oxfordshire colleges

The following colleges in Oxfordshire offer a range of courses:

Outside Oxfordshire

You don't have to go to your nearest college. Other further education colleges close to Oxfordshire include:

Search the Natspec website for details of specialist colleges.

Option 3: Work based and community training

If you want to continue in learning, you don't have to go to school or college. There are independent places that offer entry level courses and employability training. These institutions are ideal for young people who want to:

  • get a qualification
  • learn the skills to find a job

Search the OXME website for:

  • training providers
  • short courses
  • personal development opportunities

Search the family information (FIS) directory for provisions for young people with SEN or disability.

Before you move on

Before you move on to your post-16 course or training, you may need to take some exams and tests. These can be very stressful

Sitting exams and tests

Access arrangements or exam concessions ensure young people with additional needs can sit exams without disadvantage.

For example, if a student taking a science exam has difficulty with reading, they can be supported to read the test paper. The student can then demonstrate their ability in science.

Are you feeling overwhelmed?

If you are feeling stressed, there is lots of information and organisations out there that can help.

Mind and YoungMinds have online resources and tips on how to cope.​

OXME has some helpful tips on managing exam stress, and the Physiological Society has a video to help you prepare for the challenge ahead.

Good Thinking can help with a lot of the pressures you might be experiencing as you get older. Things like exams and bullying – they can all have an impact.

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