Specialist Post 16 colleges

On completing your statutory education at year 11 young people have the opportunity to decide where they wish to continue in learning or training. All schools should provide impartial careers guidance which will help young people to decide which post 16 option is suitable for them, one of the options may be to continue learning in a specialist post 16 college. These colleges specialise in providing education and training to young people with a specific learning disability.

See our directory above to view all services in our Specialist Post 16 Colleges category. 

Who can attend?

Young people aged 16 to 24 with an Education, Health and Care Plan naming a specialist post 16 college as the type of setting required.

Are there any costs?

Courses for 16-18 year olds and those aged 19-24 with an Education, Health and Care Plan are free.

You will need to consider the costs of travelling to the education provider.

How do I apply to attend?

Contact the specialist post 16 college directly, information is available on their website.

If young people have an Education, Health and Care Plan, admission to these colleges will be subject to the Local Authority undertaking a review of the Education, Health and Care Plan and agreeing to name the provider. 

The specialist post 16 college will probably recommend that the young person visits them in order for them to get to know them better and be able to advise on whether they feel their provision would be suitable and of their enrolment process.

What happens next?

All 16 to 19 year old students are expected to take a study programme which reflects their prior attainment, education and career goals.

Study programmes should stretch and challenge students, prepare them for adulthood, and support their progression into work or further study. Programme content and structure will vary from one student to another. 

Study programmes should include a substantial qualification wherever suitable and always include English and maths at an appropriate level where a GCSE grade 4 or above has not been achieved.

Work experience is an integral part of a study programme for all students. For students, work experience brings many benefits - learning and practising skills related to their areas of interest; developing general employability skills; the positive character and attitudes that employer’s value so highly and informing choices about future employment.

What happens when I become an adult?

Courses can be accessed by young People aged 16 to 24 with an Education, Health and Care Plan naming a specialist post 16 college as the type of setting required.

How do I find out more?

Independent schools for pupils with special educational needs approved under section 41 of the Children and Families Act.

Natspec Organisations which offer specialist further education and training for students with learning difficulties and/or disabilities.

Disclaimer

Staffordshire Connects is a free and impartial service.   Information contained in the SEND Local Offer does not represent a recommendation or endorsement of a service or provider.   For more information please see our disclaimer.  Providers are responsibile for updating their own information.   Please let us know if you would like to suggest a provider or you feel something is out of date and we will contact them for you.

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