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Moving onto post 16 education

Young people now have to stay in education until the age of 18.  When a young person reaches 16 they will have different choices available to them, such as

  • Full-time education, such as school or college.
  • An apprenticeship.
  • Part-time education or training if you are employed, or self-employed for 20 hours or more a week.
  • Part time education or training plus volunteering for 20 hours or more a week.

There is funding available if you have a special educational need and or disability (SEND).  More information on funding can be found on GOV.UK website

You can apply for Disabled Students' Allowances (DSAs) to cover some of the extra costs you have because of a mental health problem, long term illness or any other disability.  You do not need to repay DSAs and it is in addition to other student finance.

 16-19 Bursary Fund

Schools, colleges and training providers have funds to help young people aged 16-19 who might struggle with the costs of studying.

Local colleges

Colleges of further education offer a wide range of courses, both vocational and academic, for students with both moderate and severe learning difficulties and provide additional support to enable disabled students and those with learning difficulties to access mainstream courses.

Specialist colleges offer very specific education programmes to meet particular needs (for example autism, visual or hearing impairment, or learning difficulties). The majority of specialist colleges are residential but in some cases day places are available.

Colleges should be involved in transition planning between school and college so that they can prepare to meet the student’s needs and ensure a successful transition into college life.

Where a student has a learning difficulty or disability that calls for special educational provision, the college must use its best endeavours to put appropriate support in place. Young people should be supported to participate in discussions about their aspirations, their needs, and the support that they think will help them best.

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