Post-16 and post-19 education and training options
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, or a supported internship
Under the Children and Families Act 2014 and the SEND Code of Practice (2015), young people with an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP) are entitled to continue education up to 25 where it supports their outcomes and aspirations. Local authorities should ensure that young people with EHCPs are supported to achieve the outcomes set out in their plan.
The purpose of continuing education or training beyond 19 is to enable young people to complete their education and training, and to achieve outcomes that prepare them for adulthood, including employment, independent living, participation in society and good health. Continuing education should not be a repeat of previous learning; it should represent progression and be focused on helping the young person move towards these outcomes.
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 options in Southend and the local area
Options vary depending on whether a young person attended a mainstream or specialist setting/resource base and whether they have an EHCP or not.
Options for those transitioning out of a mainstream setting (with or without an EHCP):
- school 6th form – see a list of 6th form provision (plus the YMCA Commuity School Eco Hub 6th Form)
- further education college courses at: South Essex Colleges Group, Southend Adult Community College and USP College.
- Apprenticeships or vocational training. Read about apprenticeships at South Essex Colleges Group.
Options for those transitioning out of a specialist setting or a resource base with an EHCP:
- the options open to those transitioning out of a mainstream setting plus the following;
- SEND Pathways courses at South Essex Colleges Group, Southend Adult Community College and USP College.
- Southend Adult Community College Independent Living Skills Academy (Southchurch and Westcliff sites)
- Lancaster School
- The St. Christopher School 16 to 19 Annexe
- YMCA Community School Eco Hub 6th Form
Post-19 education and training
Who decides if a young person continues into post-19 education?
The Local Authority makes the decision based on the EHCP annual review and the completed Vocational Profile. The setting will make a decision based on the age, aptitude and ability of the young person to access the provision.
If a young person or their parent carer disagrees with a decision they have the statutory right of appeal.
What categorises a young person as not suitable for employability routes?
Evidence from assessments (by an Educational Psychologist, health professionals or social care) showing that employability is not a realistic outcome at present. If this is the case the focus then shifts to working towards independent living and community participation.
Mental capacity act (MCA) compliance
The Young person's views must be central; if lacking capacity, decisions follow Mental Capacity Act best interest principles.
Post-19 education and training pathways for young people with SEND
Options depend on whether the young person has an EHCP or not, and if they have a learning disability and/or autism and are supported by adult social care.
Options for those with an EHCP:
- continue formal accredited learning at a further education setting as mentioned above
- formal accredited learning course with a focus on employability outcomes (through either South Essex Colleges Group (SEC) Southend Adult Community College or USP College):
- level 1, 2 and 3 vocational qualifications
- T levels
- A' levels
- Pathway to Employability programme at the Independent Living Skills Academy (Westcliff or Southchurch), SEC or USP College.
- Supported internship programme at SEC or USP College
Options for those without an EHCP:
- self-funded adult learning opportunities
- Government funded adult learning for those who have not yet reached the minimum criteria in Maths or English - Courses for jobs and Skills Bootcamps leading to an interview and job opportunity
Options for those with learning disabilities and/or autism who are supported by adult social care:
- lifelong learning through community-based provision
- supported employment opportunities through Making It Work
These options can be explored with your Social Worker
Ready to Work programme
This is a programme for young people aged 16 to 19 who are not in education, employment or training (also known as NEET) who are looking for support to get into work or to return to education or training.
The programme is for young people who have special educational needs, Looked After Children, and those who have an Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP).
To find out more, speak to your career's advisor, Southend Virtual Schools Education Advisor or EHCP Co-ordinator.
Other teams, organisations, services and resources that can help
Southend-on-Sea City Council Preparing for Adulthood Team (for young people with an EHCP). Speak to your EHCP Case Co-ordinator.
The Southend Vocational Profile
Southend-on-Sea City Council Adult Social Care
Making it Work supported employment service
Day opportunities and services for adults with learning disabilities
Greater Essex Your Futures website - information about post-16 study options and jobs and opportunities across Essex.