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.

In year 11, your school will start talking with you and your family about your next steps. If you’re staying at the same school, you’ll begin planning your sixth form journey with teachers who already know you well. If you’re moving to a new school, you might visit for a tour, meet staff, and take part in transition activities to help you feel more confident.

Your EHC plan, if you have one, will be reviewed to make sure your new setting can meet your needs. Sixth forms in Devon offer a mix of academic and practical courses, and they’ll work with you to build a learning plan that suits your goals and interests

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.

Special schools with a sixth form

For young people with SEND, continuing education in a special school after year 11 can offer a familiar and supportive environment. In Devon, special schools with post-16 provision focus on preparing students for adulthood through a personalised and practical curriculum.

Post-16 programmes typically include:

• functional skills in English, maths, and ICT
• independent living skills, such as cooking, travel training, and managing money
• work-related learning, including supported internships or vocational experiences
• health and wellbeing activities, including creative arts and physical education

Each student follows an individual learning plan tailored to their needs, interests, and future goals. Schools work closely with families, health professionals, and transition services.

The following special schools in Devon offer post-16 provision:

• Bidwell Brook School, Dartington
• Ellen Tinkham School, Exeter
• Mill Water School, Bicton
• Pathfield School, Barnstaple

Rather than going into a school sixth form, you may choose to find a college course that is better suited to your interests.

Starting college is a big step, but there’s lots of support to help you feel ready. If you have SEND, colleges in Devon should work with you, your school, and your family to make sure your move goes smoothly.

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.

If you have an EHC plan, it will be reviewed to make sure your new college can meet your needs.

Colleges can offer:

• learning support assistants or one-to-one help
• specialist equipment or technology
• quiet spaces or sensory support
• help with travel training and independence
• support with emotional wellbeing and social skills

Colleges in Devon

Use the following links to find out more about the SEND support that each of the colleges offer:

• Bicton College
• City College Plymouth
• Exeter College
• Exeter Mathematics School
• PETROC
• South Devon College
• Duchy College

Specialist colleges

Specialist SEND colleges are designed specifically for young people with more complex or profound SEND whose needs cannot be fully met in a mainstream environment. They offer:

• highly personalised learning tailored to individual needs and EHC plan outcomes
• smaller class sizes and higher staff-to-student ratios
• specialist staff trained in supporting a wide range of needs, including autism, severe learning difficulties, and profound and multiple learning difficulties
• therapeutic support such as speech and language therapy, occupational therapy, and emotional wellbeing services
• a focus on life skills and independence, often with strong links to supported employment or community-based learning

Specialist colleges in Devon

• Roc College
• Lifeworks College
• Oakwood
• InFocus College
• The Deaf Academy

Some tips to help you get ready for college:

• Visit the college – go to open days or taster sessions to get to know the place and meet staff.
• Ask questions – talk to your teachers or support workers about what to expect.
• Practice new routines – try out your journey to college or practice using a timetable.
• Talk about your goals – think about what you enjoy and what you’d like to do in the future.
• Stay connected – keep in touch with friends and support staff who can help you feel confident.

Parents and carers might find our guide to visiting a post-16 setting useful.

Going to university

If you choose to go to university when you’re 18, 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. You can find more information about going to university here – including the entry requirements and qualifications you might need.

You should think about what support you currently receive and what you might need at university. Research universities that offer strong support services for students with SEND and look into course flexibility, campus accessibility, and inclusive teaching practices. UCAS offers lots of advice about what support is available to students with disabilities.

Disability Rights UK (select the ‘Education’ category) has information on a range of topics relating to disabilities and further education.

Online or distance learning

The Open University is an option for you if you would prefer to learn online.

Financial support

Disabled Students’ Allowance

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.

Student finance

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.

Many of Learn Devon’s courses are delivered online.

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