When you're 16, you must continue in some form of education or training until you're 18.
You can choose to continue your education at the same school if it has a sixth form. This can be a good option as the school will already know the additional support that you need and can continue to support you through the curriculum.
You can find information about all the schools that have sixth forms in Devon. Specific information about the support available for students with SEND should be available on each school’s website.
The following special schools in Devon offer post-16 provision:
You may choose to change schools for post-16 education or perhaps find a college course better suited to your interests.
All colleges should provide support to help students with SEND to complete their chosen course to the best of their abilities and some offer courses specifically designed for people with SEND.
Use the following links to find out more about the SEND support that each of the colleges offer:
Parents and carers might find our guide to visiting a post-16 setting useful.
Chapter 7 (page 111) of the SEND Code of Practice explains and provides guidance on the statutory duties on further education colleges, sixth form colleges and other types of post-16 education providers to identify, assess and provide support for young people with SEND.
The statutory duties are:
In Devon, our Ordinarily Available Inclusive Provision describes the inclusive provision and practice that all Devon schools including post-16 settings should be able to provide for all children and young people including those with SEND.
There's also more information here about the specific SEND support that should be available in schools. The support offered should be structured around the ‘assess, plan, do, review’ system to make sure that it is effective and tailored to you.
Devon County Council’s Post-16 Learning Participation Team can provide signposting support for all young people aged 16-19 in order to help them participate in education or training.
If you choose to go to university we can share your education, health and care plan (EHCP) with your university (higher education provider). You just need to ask us to do that and we will share your EHCP within 15 days of your request.
University applications are completed through UCAS who also offers advice about what support is available to students with disabilities.
The Open University is an option for you if you would prefer to learn online.
It may be possible for you to get additional funding to support your studies through Disabled Students' Allowances (DSAs). You can apply for a DSA if you live in England and have a disability that affects your ability to study.
Find out more about eligibility and how to apply for DSA.
Disability Rights UK has information on a range of topics relating to disabilities and further education.
You may also be able to borrow money through student finance to help pay for university or college fees and help with living costs.
All young people are entitled to education until they are 18 years old. All young people can access education between the ages of 19 and 25 through a further education college (adult learning courses).
Each further education college in Devon will have information about their adult learning courses and support available to access them.
If you have an EHCP and have not completed your education, or training goals as described in the EHCP before you turn 18 years old, you are able to continue on in education until the educational or training goals are met. This should be reviewed every year, based on your progress, and be discussed at your annual review.
Learn Devon provides adult and community learning courses and supports people in learning new skills for leisure, returning to employment, improving their English and maths and improving their health and wellbeing. More information can be found on the Learn Devon website.
This page exists in EHE https://www.devon.gov.uk/children-families-education/education/elective-home-education/post-16-options/ but it appears to provide only info about alternatives to HE!?
In Devon, there are a wide range of post-16 options tailored to support young people with SEND. Whether you want to keep learning at school or college, get work experience, start an apprenticeship, or try something new like a supported internship, there’s something for everyone.
This guide will take you through the education choices available, the support you can expect, and how to find the right fit for your goals and aspirations.