Young people in England are required to stay in education or training until they are 18.
This does not only mean staying in school. It can be through:
- full-time study in a school, college or with a training provider
- full-time work or volunteering (20 hours or more) combined with part-time education or training
- an apprenticeship, traineeship or a supported internship
Further and higher education
Further education (FE) is education after the age of 16 that is not:
- an undergraduate or;
- postgraduate degree
It is what you learn after the age of 16, but usually not at university.
Higher education (HE) is the term used to describe education at university. You usually have to be 18 or over to do a higher education course.
Post 16 education options in Southend and the local area
There are various options. The local area has:
- USP College
- South Essex College. Find details of additional learning support available at South Essex College
- Southend Adult Community College
There are also 16 to 19 academies, and vocational learning and training providers. The range of study programmes available is broad. It includes:
- AS/A-levels
- vocational qualifications at all levels
- apprenticeships
- traineeships
- supported internships
- bespoke packages of learning
View details of settings offering post-16 provision.
South Essex College
South Essex College offer a range of programmes including Supported Internships and Apprenticeships.
Apprenticeships are a good alternative to university or college because you can work and earn while you study. It is a great way to gain the skills, knowledge, experience and qualifications needed to get into many careers. They combine work, training, and study.
There are many different apprenticeships available:
- covering different industries
- for over 1,500 job roles
As a paid employee, apprentices work alongside their studies. There are no student fees. Training costs are funded by the government and the employer.
Southend Adult Community College
Students with special educational needs are, wherever possible, fully integrated into the College community. They have access to educational provision that allows them to experience a broad and balanced curriculum.
Our SEND Provision covers:
- our Westcliff Centre for 19 to 21 year olds with profound needs
- bespoke courses for all ages at our Southchurch site
We offer a full range of subjects. They are delivered by teachers with SEN training and experience. There are opportunities to complete level 1 and 2 qualifications in employability.
More information: Southend Adult Community College website.
USP College
Foundation courses at USP College are designed to help students with an EHCP prepare for adulthood.
The Pathways programme is designed for those who benefit from learning within a supported environment. Students receive help to develop their independent living skills to prepare for adulthood whilst studying Functional Skills or GCSEs in English and Maths (depending on entry qualifications).
Skills to Employment Progression (STEP) is a full-time work-based study programme where you can learn teamwork and employability skills. You will also improve your Functional Maths and English alongside NCFE Employability. You may be able to resit your Maths and/or English GCSEs depending on your previous results.
Supported Internship is a one year course. It is for students up to the age of 25 with an EHCP. It makes the first steps into employment and learning new skills easier for those with learning difficulties and/or disabilities. The course will benefit students that want to:
- further develop their functional skills and;
- carry out practical voluntary work with an employer
Level 1 Vocational Studies is designed as an introduction to college. It focuses on the personal, social and employability skills needed to progress to further study in a specific sector at Level 2 such as Health and Social Care, Business, Sport, Early Years, Media or to an employment course such as STEP or Apprenticeship.
Provision outside Southend
For provision outside Southend, visit:
Careers and study information on the Your Futures website
Further information about post-16 study options and jobs and opportunities across Essex can be found on the Your Futures website.
Support from Connexions Southend
Connexions provide advice and guidance about education, employment and training. Ami Sewell runs a SEND clinic every Friday at The Forum. To find out more and book a slot, email AmiSewell@southend.gov.uk